Check For Leaks

Find & fix leaks to $ave

It's Sprinkler Check Week in Palm Springs from April 24-30. It’s important to regularly check your irrigation system to make sure there are no leaks. If you find any, be sure to repair or replace problem parts. Check out this tip sheet. 

Desert Water Agency has connected with leak detectors to provide a discount for valley residents looking to save water by finding and fixing leaks. Leak detection companies use a variety of techniques, including specialized listening devices, to help them pinpoint a leak – even if it is underneath slab. Leak detection and repair is essential if a leak is suspected.

Thanks to our leak detection partners!

American Leak Detection

20% off leak detection
760-320-8273

Mr. Rooter

20% off leak detection
760-779-0190

Palm Springs Leak Detection

20% off leak detection
760-408-4451

Doctor of Leaks

20% off leak detection
760-320-6813

Flume – Intelligent Leak Detection

$50 off self-install leak detection device during Fix-A-Leak-Week March 20-26
www.flumewater.com/dwa

Check for leaks yourself

If you'd like to check for leaks on your own before calling in a pro, there are a few easy ways to do that.

Most of our meters are located in a rectangular concrete meter box at the curb or sidewalk in front of a customer's home or business. To use your water meter as a leak detector, just follow these steps:

  • Ensure no water is running either inside or outside of your home.
  • Lift the lid off of the meter box (a screwdriver inserted into the small square hole in the meter box lid will work as a “handle”).
  • Once the meter box lid has been removed, lift the round cap up from the face of the meter.
  • Check the indicator (see diagram at left). If it is slowly spinning and you know there is no water running in your home or outside, you may have a leak on your property

Toilet Leak Test

Leaky toilets waste of hundreds of gallons of water each day, and many times you will not hear or see a toilet leak. One way to find a leak is by using food dye or food coloring and following these simple steps:
Step 1: Remove the tank lid.

Step 2: Place several drops of food dye into the tank.
DO NOT flush the toilet. Wait 10-15 minutes. If you have more than one toilet to test, repeat Steps 1 and 2 for each toilet.

Step 3: Check the water in the bowl for color. If the bowl has color, then the toilet has a leak.

Pool Leak Test

Step 1: Bring the pool water to normal level. Fill a 5-gallon bucket with pool water to about two-thirds from the top.

Step 2: Place the bucket on the first or second step of the pool. Ensure the bucket is immersed in the pool at least five inches.

Step 3: Mark the water level inside the bucket.

Step 4: Shut off the pump and auto fill and mark the pool water level on the outside of the bucket.

Step 5: Resume normal pool pump operation.

Step 6: After 24 hours, compare the two water levels. If the pool water (outside mark) goes down more than the bucket's water level, there is probably a leak. If levels are the same, only evaporation has occurred.

DIY Indoor & Outdoor Checklist

Use this checklist to help identify and fix leaks. The sooner you find leaks the more water and money you save. Click here to download a copy of the checklist.