7.3.2  Detecting leaks at home

For homes with a piped water supply, if the water bill suddenly goes up when the circumstances in the home have not changed, it is a sign that perhaps there is a leak in the water system. A way of confirming this is to turn off all the water appliances and observe the water meter. If the dials on it are turning, there is a leak somewhere. It may be possible to hear the hissing noise of water escaping. A search for the source of the sound will reveal the leak.

Water-flushed toilet systems can be checked by putting a few drops of food colouring in the water tank of the cistern, and 30 minutes later checking the water in the toilet bowl. If it has colour in it, the cistern is leaking.