Water Leak Detection Guide
Check Your Toilet for Leaks
After the toilet tank has refilled and the water is still, place a few drops of food coloring into the tank. Do not flush. Watch the toilet bowl to see if color appears.
If there is a leak, color will usually appear in the bowl within 15–30 minutes. Two common leak locations are the overflow pipe and the flapper valve. These leaks are often inexpensive to fix, but if you’re not comfortable making repairs yourself, consider contacting a licensed plumber.
Check Your Faucet for Leaks
Inspect faucets for leaks at the faucet head and for seepage at the base or connections. In many cases, leaks are caused by a worn or damaged rubber washer. If repairs are needed and you’re not comfortable doing them yourself, contact a licensed plumber.
Check for Underground Leaks
Responsibility for the underground water service line rests with the property owner. The service line extends from the curb stop at the property line to the water meter on the property.
Signs of a Possible Underground Plumbing Leak
Leaks in underground plumbing can be caused by many factors. Watch for these common signs:
- Wet spots in landscaped areas or water pooling on the ground surface
- Areas that are unusually green, moldy, soft, or mossy compared to surrounding dry areas
- A noticeable drop in water pressure or flow
- Sudden rusty water, dirt, or air in the water supply
- Brown, dead, or dying irrigated areas that were previously healthy (often caused by low water pressure preventing sprinkler heads from operating properly)
- Heaving or cracking in paved surfaces
- Sinkholes or potholes
- Uneven floors or a structure that appears to be leaning
- An unexplained increase in water use on your bill
- Consistently high water usage
- Water use that steadily increases over several billing cycles
The City will replace a leaking lead water service line at no cost to the property owner. If you suspect a leak on a lead water service line, contact 311 or call 616-456-3000. Let the representative know you have a water leak on a suspected lead service line, and staff will guide you through the process.
