The short answer
Check the Obvious First
Start with the easiest suspects. A toilet that runs constantly can waste hundreds of gallons in a day. Lift the tank lid and listen for a hiss, or drop a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, the flapper is leaking.
Also check every visible pipe under sinks, around the water heater, and along basement walls. Look for damp spots, drips, or rust. Walk around the outside of your home and check the hose spigots and irrigation valves. A small drip from a hose connection can add up fast.
Read Your Water Meter
Your water meter is a useful tool for finding a hidden leak. Turn off all water inside and outside the home, then watch the meter dial. If it moves or spins even slightly, water is passing through somewhere. That points to a leak between the meter and your fixtures.
Write down the meter reading before you go to bed, then check it again in the morning before anyone uses water. A change overnight means a steady leak. If the dial moves rapidly, the leak may be substantial. This test helps you know whether to call a plumber or a water damage pro.
- Turn off all faucets and appliances before the test
- Watch the low-flow indicator or small triangle on the dial
- Check again after a few hours for a slow leak
- Compare overnight readings to confirm a constant loss
- Keep the shutoff valve location written down for future use
- If you live in Layton, note where your main shutoff is
When to Call the Pros
If you cannot find the source of the leak, or if you discover water damage in walls, ceilings, or under floors, it is time to bring in help. A plumber can locate and repair the pipe. Local water damage pros handle the drying, removal of soaked materials, and cleanup after the leak is stopped.
The pros use moisture meters and other tools to find water that you cannot see. They also know how to dry out crawlspaces and wall cavities properly. Acting fast reduces the chance of mold and keeps the repair area smaller. Waiting only lets the water spread further.
Other Causes of High Usage
Not every high bill comes from a leak. A new appliance, a large family gathering, or extra irrigation during a dry spell can raise usage. Check if you filled a pool, watered a new lawn, or ran the washing machine more often than usual. Compare your bill to the same month last year.
A water softener that regenerates too frequently, a humidifier, or a dripping outdoor spigot can also add up. Keep a log of your daily meter readings for a few days. If usage is steady but high, look at your habits. If it spikes suddenly, a leak is more likely than a change in routine.
- Compare this month to the same month last year
- Note any new appliances or increased watering
- Check for a dripping outdoor spigot or hose
- Watch for a water softener cycling too often
- Log daily readings to spot sudden jumps
Water damage does not wait
Phones are answered 24/7 for Layton and nearby communities.
Call Now (801) 383-0232Frequently asked questions
How do I find a leak if nothing looks wet?
Use the water meter test. Turn off all water, watch the dial for movement, and compare overnight readings. If the dial moves, water is leaking somewhere. Check toilets, under sinks, and around the water heater. If nothing is visible, the leak may be inside walls or under the floor. Call a plumber or water damage pro to investigate.
Can a high bill be from something other than a leak?
Yes. Increased irrigation, a new appliance, a pool fill, or a water softener cycling too often can raise usage. Compare your bill to the same month last year and think about any changes in your routine. If usage is steady but high, habits are the likely cause. If it spikes suddenly, a leak is more probable.
What should I do if I find water damage from a leak?
Stop the water flow at the main shutoff valve if you can. Then call a plumber to repair the pipe. For the wet materials, local water damage pros handle extraction, drying, and removal of soaked flooring or drywall. Acting quickly helps prevent mold and limits the extent of the damage.