Be a Leak Seeker

Identify the source of a leak

Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. (Be sure to flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)
Look for dripping sink and bathtub faucets and showerheads. Worn-out washers typically cause faucet and showerhead leaks.
Check under and around sinks for wet spots, a musty smell or bowed cabinetry.
Be alert to wall or ceiling discoloration, bubbling paint or bulging wallpaper.
Look and listen for running or dripping water on refrigerators with ice/water dispensers, humidifiers, clothes washers, dishwashers, and water heaters.

All of the above are signs of a leak, but keep in mind that not all water leaks are plumbing leaks. The water could also be coming from a leak in the roof or around a window. Either way, leaks should be addressed promptly to reduce the risk of water damage.

Water meters in The Dalles are equipped with special meter reading equipment. Please do not open your water meter to look for leaks. To avoid damage to your meter, call a serviceperson if you need help with a meter test on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (541) 296-5401. A leak detection meter test will take about a half hour. An adult resident must be present during a meter test appointment.

Do you have questions about conserving water? Visit The Dalles Public Works Water Distribution webpage thedalles.org/waterdistribution