Conserving Water
Fix a Leak
Fix a Leak – Be a Water Watchdog Year-Round
Each year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosts Fix a Leak Week to raise awareness about the importance of finding and repairing household water leaks. But here in Houston, we know the value of water conservation doesn’t stop after one week. Houston Public Works encourages residents to find and fix leaks year-round—because every drop counts.
Why It Matters
Household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water across the U.S. every year. In a single home, that can mean losing hundreds of gallons a month—and hundreds of dollars on your water bill. The good news? Most leaks are easy to fix, inexpensive, and make a real impact.
- Common culprits include: Dripping faucets
- Running toilets
- Leaky hose bibs and sprinkler heads
- Worn-out washers and flappers
Fixing these issues can cut your water use by 10% or more and reduce strain on our city’s water system.
What You Can Do: Become a Water Watchdog
It’s time to use your Water Watchdog skills and sniff out leaks around your home. Just follow these three simple steps to become a leak-finding pro!
Step 1: Look for Signs
Check areas around toilets, faucets, showerheads, hoses, and outdoor irrigation systems. Look for puddles, drips, damp cabinets, or water-stained walls.
Step 2: Listen for Clues
Hear water running when no taps are on? That could be a hidden leak in your pipes or appliances. If you suspect something’s off, investigate further.
Step 3: Do a Simple Leak Test
Start with your water meter:
- Turn off all water inside and outside your home.
- Check your water meter, wait two hours without using any water, then check again.
- If the numbers have changed, you likely have a hidden leak.
Next, check your toilets—they're one of the most common sources of household leaks:
- Drop a dye tablet or a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank (not the bowl).
- Wait 10–15 minutes without flushing.
- If colored water appears in the bowl, you have a leak—usually caused by a worn flapper or valve.
Toilet leaks can waste hundreds of gallons a day but are usually inexpensive and easy to fix.
Take Action
Once you've found a leak:
- Tighten loose connections
- Replace worn-out washers or toilet flappers
- Consider upgrading to WaterSense-labeled fixtures that use water more efficiently
- If the leak is extensive or you’re unsure how to fix it, contact a licensed plumber for help
Water Watchdogs don’t let leaks slip by. Fixing leaks is one of the easiest ways to save water, lower your bill, and protect Houston’s water future. Let’s stay alert—every day of the year.