Celebrate Fix a Leak Week by saving water and money!

This week is national Fix a Leak Week! Fix a Leak Week is a national campaign by the EPA WaterSense program that highlights how to find and fix home plumbing leaks. 

Did you know that in one year the water leaks in your home could waste enough water to fill a backyard pool? From faucets and toilets to outdoor sprinklers and hose bibs, leaks can pop up anywhere.

Now is a great time to check your home for leaks, and we have the tips and tricks you need to do it!

Toilet leaks can be silent and expensive

Toilet leaks are the most common type of household leak and can use up to 5,000 gallons of water a day! Some common causes of toilet leaks are:

• Tank water level is too high. The water level should be about half an inch below the top of the overflow tube. If the water level is too high, it can cause a constant leak. Water will keep pouring over the overflow and down the drain without you even knowing!
• Flapper leaks. Flappers are typically guaranteed for only five years and should be replaced on a regular schedule.

View full size image of Illustrated diagram of the parts inside of a float-ball style toilet tank. The parts in the diagram are listed in the webpage text in the numbered list.

Toilet leaks are frustrating because they can be hard to catch in action. Here are some tips on checking for leaking toilets:

• Look and listen for hissing or trickling water from your toilet.
• Check your flapper for a worn-out, deteriorating, or incomplete seal.
• Test your toilet with dye tablets or food coloring.
  1. Remove the lid of your toilet tank.
  2. Place one dye tablet or 10 to 15 drops of food coloring in your toilet tank.
  3. Wait 10 minutes without flushing. If you see color in your toilet bowl, you have a leak!

View full size image of Package of "Toilet Leak detection Dye Tablets” with a graphic of a water drop putting a leak detection tablet in a toilet

Check for toilet leaks every 6 to 12 months. A good way to stay on track is to check during Fix a Leak Week each year! 

Learn how to find and fix a toilet leak

The Water Bureau offers free dye tablets and other water-saving devices. 

Order your free water efficiency kit

Resources to help you find and fix leaks at home

Toilet leaks aren't the only leaks to watch out for! Some household leaks are easy to spot, like a dripping faucet. 

Learn how to fix a faucet leak

Other leaks are harder to notice. You can use your water meter to check for leaks you can't easily see or hear. 

Learn how to use your meter to check for leaks

View full size image of Illustration of a water meter face showing the main rotating sweep hand measuring water flow, and leak detection dial that rotates if there is a water leak.

Get help with leak repairs

If you're struggling with the cost of finding and fixing leaks in your home, check out our Home Water Leak Repair Program. The Water Bureau works with community partners and local plumbers to offer free water leak repair services for income-qualified homeowners in Portland. 

Learn more about the leak repair program and find out if you qualify

Request a bill credit after fixing a leak

If you find and fix a leak, let us know! You may qualify for an adjustment (credit) on your bill. During a 12-month period, each account can receive:

• One adjustment for an underground or outdoor leak that does not go into the sewer system
• One adjustment for a leak that does go into the sewer system (like a toilet leak)

Learn more and request a leak adjustment

Get help saving water and money at your business or multifamily property

Calling all business and multifamily property owners and managers! Just one leaky toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water per month! The Water Bureau's Water Efficiency team is here to help—at no cost to you—with dye tablets to test for toilet leaks, door hangers that ask tenants to look for and report leaks, and free efficiency consultation services.

Contact the Water Efficiency Team to learn how to find leaks, how to set up a consultation for your business or multifamily property, and other ways to save water and money.

Report water main breaks and leaks

City water pipes (mains) can also break or leak. We work hard to keep our 2,250 miles of pipe in good condition. This maintenance work reduces the frequency of main breaks, but we can't prevent them all. 

If you see water running from streets or sidewalks, it could be a water main break! Please report it by calling our 24-hour emergency line at 503-823-4874. We'll investigate and fix any leaks as soon as possible.