5 Most Common Leaks and How to Locate Them

For directions on how to activate and read your digital meter please visit www.woodlandswater.org under the information header.

1. Toilet Leaks: You might have a toilet leaking that you haven’t heard or found yet. Here is how to check:
   1. Remove the toilet tank lid.
   2. Drop one dye tablet/strip or 10+ drops of food coloring(enough to change the color of the water) into the tank. (Dye tablets/strips are avaiable at our office).
   3. Put the lid back on. Do not flush.
   4. Wait at least 1-2 hours(or overnight works best), and then look in the bowl.
   5. If the Dye is in the toilet bowl or missing from both the tank and the bowl (without you flushing it), then that toilet is leaking and will need to be repaired.
2. Pool Leaks:
   • If you have a pool with an automatic fill, you should have it checked to ensure it is set correctly and not releasing   water into the overflow continuously and down the drain 24/7.
3. Sprinkler Leaks:
   • Check the leak indicator on your meter. If it indicates a leak turn off the backflow valve to your sprinkler system. Wait 20 minutes then check the leak indicator again. If the leak indicator has changed from a continuous on faucet to a blinking faucet then you have a possible leak somewhere in your sprinkler system.
   • Run a test cycle during the day so you can see if any of your sprinkler heads are broken or leaking.
   • Check the yard for wet spots due to underground sprinkler lines leaking.
4. Water Softener:
   • A malfunctioning water softener can leak water continuously into the overflow and down the drain 24/7 without any external indication. Please look at your manufacturers instructions on how to find and fix this problem.