Think you might have a leak outside your home? Here are some tips to check for and locate leaks around your property.
Check for Leaks
STEP 1: Start by shutting off the house valve, which will stop all water from running from the front of your home to the back of your property. It’s likely located under the front yard faucet where you attach your garden hose; it could also be inside your house or your garage.
STEP 2: Locate your water meter, which is usually at the curb of your home.
STEP 3: If the flow indicator (typically a triangle or star) is turning, you have a leak.
Locate Your Leaks
Now that you’ve determined there’s a leak on your property, it’s time to find it. Leaks can occur in pipes, valves, hoses, sprinklers, and pools.
Yard leaks: Look for wet spots or patches of grass that are greener than the rest of your yard—these could indicate a leak in the pipe.
Broken sprinklers: At least once per month, check your sprinkler system for any broken sprinkler heads or leaks—this can save up to 20 gallons every time you water.
Pool leaks: Keep an eye on the water level in your pool. If it’s losing an eighth of an inch or more per day, there’s likely a leak.
Did You Know?
- A sprinkler system can waste water if sprinkler heads are broken, automatic timers are not adjusted for rain, or hidden leaks are not detected.
- A pinhole-sized leak in a pool plumbing system can lose almost 1,000 gallons of water per day.
- Each winter, an average of 250,000 families encounter severe home damage due to frozen pipes that have burst or cracked.