Water leaks

If you suspect a leak, turn off everything carefully so no water is being used anywhere in the house.

Check the position of your water meter dial. Make a note of the reading and then check it again in about 15 minutes. If the dial hasn't moved, you have a relatively water-tight home. But if it has, start checking hose connections, faucets and toilets.

Sometimes a meter will indicate a leak when everything seems tight. In these cases, the leak may be hidden underground in the pipes. Call a plumber for advice.

Fix dripping faucets immediately. A faucet that drips once per second wastes 2,300 gallons of water a year. Most household leaks are easily fixed by replacing worn parts, like the washer.