Determine a time when no water is being used in the home (such as at night while you are sleeping). Remember to turn off your ice maker prior to performing this test.
Meter Monitoring
Go out to your meter and write down the numbers showing on the dial before going to bed. When you awake, before any water is turned on in the home, check your meter again. If the numbers on the dial have changed, you may have a leak.
If you have a new radio-read meter with a digital display, you will need to shine a light on the meter face in order to activate the display. These types of meters also have a small faucet icon that will either flash or be continuously displayed if the meter detects a leak.
Checking Toilets
Toilets can be checked for leaks by adding toilet dye tablets (available from the Conservation Office) or food coloring to your toilet tank. Wait 15 minutes. If the dye or food coloring appears in the bowl, you have a leak. You may just need to replace the flapper. Always use the flapper recommended by your toilet’s manufacturer.