Finding leaks
Not all leaks are as obvious as a dripping faucet. If you hear water running in your home when no water’s in use or your water usage is suddenly higher than expected, you might have a water leak. If you have a metered well, the steps below can help to find out if there's a leak on your property and where it’s coming from.

Find out if you have a leak
Turn off all of your water fixtures and appliances (don’t forget the ice maker, water filtration system and other systems), then find your water meter.

Depending on the type of meter you have, you’ll see either a red flow indicator or a sweep hand. If the sweep hand or flow indicator is still moving after you’ve turned off all of the water in your home, you might have a leak.

Turn your water fixtures and appliances back on, but try not to use them until you know where the leak’s coming from.

Find the source
The next step is to find the source of the leak. Turn off fixtures and appliances one by one, checking the meter after you turn each one off. If the flow indicator or sweep hand is still moving when you check the meter, you haven't found the leak yet. Continue turning off fixtures and checking the meter until the meter stops—then you’ll know you’ve found the source.

Items to turn off include:

• Toilets, which can be turned off at the base
• Faucets, which can be turned off below the sink
• Sprinkler systems, water softeners, swamp coolers, ice machines and reverse osmosis units, all of which have a bypass valve that lets water bypass the unit

Check the main service line
If you still haven't found the problem, try checking the main service line. Find the water shutoff valve to your home. It will be either in your front yard, in your garage, or near your water softener. Shut off this valve, turning off all water to your home. Turn on a faucet to make sure there is no water, then check the meter. If the meter is still moving, the leak is most likely between the shutoff valve and the water meter.

If you've found your leak, you may be able to fix it yourself. Repairs to toilets and faucets can be fairly simple, while other leaks may need a professional plumber. Don't get in over your head. If you're not sure you can fix it, call a professional.

Check out the water efficiency of your fixtures with the Southern Nevada Water Authority's Water Audit Kit. Call (702) 258-SAVE to request your free kit today!