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Household Leaks Are More Common Than You Think

Annual household leaks waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water per year nationwide. New Braunfels Utilities offers helpful advice to ensure your pipes are sealed and do not contribute to this statistic.

Indoor

  • Toilets – Check for leaking toilets by adding food color to the tank. If the color shows up in the bowl after ten minutes, the toilet is leaking.
  • Kitchen and Bathroom Sink – Check for any dripping faucets or wet sinks.
  • Washing Machine – Check for leaking hose connections at the wall faucets and the machine.
  • Water Heater – Check for leaking relief valves or loose connections.
  • Water Softener – Check to see if the softener is making flushing noises. It should be completely silent when not in use.
  • Reverse Osmosis Systems – Check the plumbing for any leaking valves or filters.

Outdoor

  • Outdoor Water Spigots – Check for hoses that have been left running and leaking faucets.
  • Sprinkler System – Check the yard for muddy areas or standing water. Broken pipes and defective valves (round green lids in the grass) are the most common causes for leaks in yard sprinklers.

If no leak is readily visible after your inspection, a plumber or leak detection specialist may need to be contacted.