There’s never a convenient time for water leaks to occur at home. As residents of the desert where water is a precious resource, watching it drip away (and sometimes gush) out of your control can be upsetting.
Not only does early leak detection prevent potential damage to surrounding materials, but it can also help us conserve water in a greater sense.
Read on to understand how you can help us conserve water when you find a leak early on.
Finding leaks: inspect the usual suspects
The most common sources of outdoor water leaks in Arizona are irrigation systems (sprinklers, drip systems, etc.) and pools.
To check for leaks in your pool, try the bucket test.
To check for leaks in your irrigation system, look for puddles, soggy patches and flooding in your yard. Inspect your sprinkler equipment for any broken parts.
You can also use your water bill as a detector. If your water habits haven’t changed but your bill increases, you may have a leak.
Make sure not to overwater
Seeing soggy patches or standing water in your yard after watering? You might be overwatering or have leaks.
Turn on your irrigation system and walk around the yard to look for emitters or sprinkler heads that are broken, clogged or misaligned. If no problems are found, then it could be an overwatering issue.
Convert sprinkler nozzles to rotating nozzles, which spread heavy droplets of water at a slower pace, making them more targeted and effective.
To maximize water use, make sure to water in the early morning (one to three hours before sunrise).
Get smart about landscape watering
Install a WaterSense-labeled smart irrigation controller that uses local weather information and site conditions to automatically adjust watering schedules.
Watering schedules are based on a few things:
- Type of plant
- Shade
- Soil
Best of all, many cities throughout the Greater Phoenix area offer rebates on this water-saving product. Find your city’s rebate info here.
Get a watering guide delivered to your phone
Need reminders to check and adjust your landscape watering each month? The water conservation specialists from the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA) created a watering guide to help homeowners like you.
To receive AMWUA’s water guide, text WHENTOWATER to 33222.
SMS text alerts are managed by the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA).
Let’s take this inside: How to find water leaks in your home
Common types of leaks found in the home include old or faulty toilet flappers, dripping faucets and leaking showerheads.
Use your eyes, nose and ears to detect a leak
That annoying dripping sound can be the first sign of a leak and can lead you to the affected sink, faucet or showerhead. However, not all leaks make sounds. Look for other signs which include:
- Wet spots around sinks
- A musty smell
- Bowed cabinetry
- Moisture around faucets, showerheads and bathtubs
Let these products do the hard work
Water-saving products provide great performance. Look for products with a WaterSense label or check out our free or low-cost water-saving products here.
Inspect your toilets
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a small toilet leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water a year. That’s enough to fill a backyard swimming pool.
See how to check for and what to do if you have a toilet leak.
Gauge your water meter for clues about leaks
To find hidden leaks, check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
We’re all in this together
Together, we’re moving toward one reliable future in the Valley and across Arizona. See all of the measures SRP is taking to create a healthier environment with our 2035 Sustainability Goals.
You can read about other ways SRP is protecting and securing a reliable water supply for the Valley.