Water running to and throughout your home is "metered" for consumption billing purposes. Even a small leak can be very costly. According to EPA estimates, the average household's leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year, or the amount of water needed to wash 270 loads of laundry! A few simple techniques can save you from a big surprise from your local water company. If you have a increased bill or you suspect that you may have a leak, here are a few steps you can do before calling a plumber.

Checking Toilet For Leaks - Leaks in a toilet can be detected by listening very closely and if you hear any noise or hissing, try to locate where the sound is coming from. A leak inside the tank could be replaced by a homeowner with new parts purchased from a home center or calling a professional plumbing company like Team Plumbing. A simple test to determine if the tank is leaking water into the bowl is, first remove the toilet tank lid. Add a drop or two of food coloring into the tank and then wait a few minutes. If the water in the toilet bowl begins to turn color, your flapper or flush valve may need to be replaced.

Leaking Faucets & Shower Heads - A faucet or shower head have washers and gaskets that can deteriorate over time. Most leaky showerheads can be fixed by ensuring a tight connection using pipe tape and a wrench. A faucet has a cartridge that can be replaced and multiple spots that can wear down over time.