The Alert Labs Flowie water sensor has sent you an alert about a possible leak. It could be caused by a leaky toilet or faucet, water softener, water heater, exterior hose, malfunctioning washing machine.
So, how do you find it?
TOILETS
Toilets are by far the most common source of home water leakage and can waste hundreds of gallons of water.
Flapper Valve Leaks - The most common reason for a leaking toilet is an improperly working flapper (the rubber valve in the bottom of the tank). If the flapper is worn or cracked, it allows water to flow continuously from the tank into the toilet bowl without flushing.
Leaky Fill Valves - A leaky toilet fill valve is usually diagnosed by a puddle of water on the floor. The fill valve is connected to the tank by a compression fitting with a rubber seal. Leaks happen when the fitting gets loose or the seal becomes worn or cracked.
Flush Handle Problems - If the handle needs to be jiggled to keep the toilet from running, the flush lever bar and chain (or the handle itself) may be sticking. Adjust the nut that secures it in the toilet tank. If that does not work, the handle may have to be replaced.
Overflow Tube Leaks - The water level should be even with the fill line on the back of the toilet tank (approximately ½" below the overflow tube). If the water is too high spilling into the overflow tube, adjust the water level by turning the adjustment screw or by very gently bending the float arm down so that the water shuts off at a level below the overflow tube.
FAUCETS AND VALVES
Check all water faucets and valves for leaks (inside and outside).
Check to make sure no faucets have been left running
Washers or cartridges may need replacing
Leaking faucets are generally a result of a worn rubber washer. The washer on a sink is usually located under the handle.
It’s worth tracking down water leaks and fixing them. The EPA says that an ongoing dripping faucet can waste 11,000 L of water a year which is the equivalent of over 70 loads of laundry, or 290 five-minute showers. |
WATER SOFTENER
On your water softener check for overflow and any possible leaks
Check settings to see how many times a week the softener regenerates and whether it runs efficiently.
Put the water softener on the bypass and see if your water meter stops running.
OTHER INDOOR PLACES
If the issue wasn't caused by any of the above, other places to look for potential leaks are:
Near the water heater.
A malfunctioning washing machine or dishwasher.
Look for wet, warped or discoloration stains on your ceilings, floors, walls, and cabinets, which may indicate the presence of wastewater. Wastewater is usually moved by gravity and is not under pressure, which makes it much harder to detect. If you suspect a wastewater leak, we recommend calling a professional for help.
OUTDOORS
If you cannot locate the source inside, search around your outdoor property.
Remember, if you're ever having trouble, please don't hesitate to contact us through chat or by email at hello@alertlabs.com to ask for assistance.