If you’ve recently had plumbing problems or live in a house that is more than 30 years old, you may be concerned that your pipes are leaking. Before you start budgeting for replacement of leaky or broken pipes, you should take some time to evaluate whether your pipes are leaking or if your plumbing problems are caused by something else. Do the following to check for leaks:
Put a drop or two of food coloring in your toilet’s tank. If the coloring moves to the toilet bowl, there is a leak between the flapper in the tank and the toilet bowl.
Locate your water meter. Turn off the water shutoff valve closest to your house. If the meter is still turning, there is a leak between your meter and your home.
Find your home’s hose bib, which is the pipe to which hoses are hooked. Listen carefully for the sound of running water.
Check outdoor hoses and sprinkler systems to see if the ground around them is soaked with water.