Find leaks fast.
One check at a time. Droplet stays on the case.
What changed?
Quick checks
Start with the fastest, highest-odds checks.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank.
- Wait 10 minutes without flushing.
- Color in the bowl = leaking flapper.
- Dry the sink and watch for steady drips.
- Check under the cabinet for moisture.
- Tighten aerators or replace washers.
- Turn the shower off fully.
- Watch for a steady drip.
- Re-seat or replace the cartridge.
- Run one zone for 2–3 minutes.
- Look for pooling or misting heads.
- Adjust heads or repair cracked lines.
Your next steps
A drip per second can waste 3,000+ gallons/year. [1]
Household leaks can waste thousands of gallons/year. [2]
If you rent: take a photo/video and notify your landlord or property manager.
Save your result or take a photo of the meter reading so you can compare it with your next bill.
Related guides after the leak screen
If the meter is quiet, the spike may be rates, sewer, or irrigation — not a drip you can hear.
Why is my water bill so high?
National diagnosis: usage vs rates vs sewer vs silent leaks.
Silent toilet leak cost
Dye-test, size the waste, fix the flapper before upgrading.
Leaky faucet drip cost
Drip Meter: drips/min → gallons → $/month bill proof.
Sprinkler / irrigation timer spike
Stuck schedules and broken heads before indoor gadgets.
Sudden high water bill
Bill jumped out of nowhere? Four causes, checked in order.
Compare bills month over month
Units per day — not dollars — when the total lies.
Estimated meter read true-up
Catch-up dump after a low estimated read.
Pool fill sewer credit
Gallons you keep vs sewer you may credit.
How water meter reads work
Set dials, match the bill, catch misreads.
Why water pressure fluctuates
24h timeline: municipal demand vs internal pipe/pump.
Toilet dye test
Drop-timer: Slow seep vs Fast waste gal/day.
How runoff retention changes your stormwater bill
Stormwater/impervious fee — Drainage Delay over 48h.
Did a hose timer leave outdoor water on your bill?
Quiet house, jumping bill — check the outdoor timer.
Pressure reducer (PRV) check
Municipal vs recommended PSI — age the valve, size waste.
Why is my water pressure low?
Whole house vs one fixture — name the cause before you call.
Why is my water billing estimated?
Safe Zone vs Shock Zone — prior actual vs this estimate.