How to Detect a Water Leak

When it comes to water waste, you may be doing it without even knowing it. Running toilets and leaky faucets may seem minor but are actually costing you money and precious water: up to 10,000 gallons a year, per household.

You can determine whether you have a leak by shutting off all the water indoors and outdoors before checking your water meter. Movement on the leak detection gauge of your water meter, with all the water shut off, means you have a leak.

Faucet leaks – All you need is to replace the old faucet washer with a new one.

Toilet leaks – Put some food coloring in the toilet tank. If the coloring seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, then you have a leak that should be repaired at once.

Irrigation System leaks – A visual check of your irrigation system may let you know if there’s a leak. Unusual spikes in your water bill may also indicate a leakage in your irrigation system.

"How-To" Videos

LADWP offers “How-To” videos for reading your water meter, indoor/outdoor water leak checks, and water audits.