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How to Find a Water Leak at Home (and When to Call a Plumber)

The EPA says household leaks waste more than 9,300 gallons of water a year in the average home. You can check for leaks yourself with a meter test and a toilet dye test before calling a plumber.

How much water leaks waste

Leaks in the average home waste more than 9,300 gallons a year. About 9% of homes have leaks that waste 50 gallons or more a day. Nationally, that adds up to nearly 1 trillion gallons a year. [1]

The meter test

Read your water meter, then use no water for two hours and read it again. If the reading has changed, you probably have a leak. [1]

The toilet dye test

Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 10 minutes without flushing. If color shows up in the bowl, the tank is leaking. A worn flapper is a common cause, and the EPA suggests replacing it at least every five years. [1]

What to ask a plumber

  • Do you charge a call-out fee, and is it credited toward the repair?
  • Do you use leak detection equipment, or will you need to open walls?
  • Will you give me a written quote before starting?
  • Is the repair guaranteed, and for how long?

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Questions

How much water do household leaks waste?

More than 9,300 gallons a year in the average home, according to the EPA.

How do I check for a hidden leak?

Read your water meter, use no water for two hours, then read it again. A change means you probably have a leak.

How often should I replace a toilet flapper?

The EPA suggests at least every five years.

Sources

  1. Fix a Leak Week, U.S. EPA WaterSense

This guide is general information, not professional advice. It summarizes the sources above, which were last checked on October 22, 2026. Talk to a licensed plumber about your own situation.

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