Housekeeping · 집안 점검

Find a Faucet or Sink Leak in 6 Steps: Drips, Fittings and a Meter Test

A dripping faucet or a damp sink cabinet may signal a leak. Inspect visible fittings, compare meter readings while no water is used, and know when to call a qualified professional.

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Wikimedia Commons / Tomwsulcer · Tomwsulcer, 'Franke faucet FF 380 kitchen sink showing drip.jpg', Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0. Attribution provided voluntarily; unchanged original. · CC0 1.0 ↗

This non-invasive guide adapts EPA WaterSense advice for faucets, under-sink fittings and the water meter. It differs from a toilet-tank dye test. Renters should contact building management or the landlord before repairs. The photo shows an actual leaking faucet, not proof that all drips have the same cause.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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1. With the faucet turned off, look and listen for drops continuing to form or fall from the spout. Avoid forcing the handle shut more tightly than intended.
2. Clear access under the sink and visually inspect fittings, valves and pipes for stains, standing water or dampness. Gently touching an accessible joint with dry tissue can reveal a wet spot.
3. Compare recent water bills or meter usage with your usual pattern. Increased usage is a clue, not proof by itself of a leak.
4. Compare the water meter reading before and after about two hours with no water used anywhere in the home. EPA says a changed reading suggests a leak. In an apartment, first check that the meter really serves your unit.
5. Photograph suspected wet spots and the meter reading. Worn washers or gaskets can cause faucet drips, but do not force fittings or dismantle unfamiliar plumbing. Contact building management, your landlord or a qualified plumber if leakage continues.
6. After repair, recheck the tap and fittings, and repeat the no-use meter check where practical. Dry the cabinet and inspect for swelling or musty smells. Do not approach water touching electrical equipment; contact the appropriate safety professional.

US Environmental Protection Agency, WaterSenseFix a Leak Week ↗Official EPA household leak guidance, accessed this run: common causes include dripping faucets and worn fittings; check for exterior water, review bills and check meter during a two-hour no-use period.US Environmental Protection Agency16th annual Fix a Leak Week reminds businesses to reduce water waste ↗EPA 2024 release reiterates no-use two-hour meter comparison, checking washers and gaskets and repairing persistent leaks.Wikimedia CommonsFile:Franke faucet FF 380 kitchen sink showing drip.jpg ↗Original photographed leaking faucet by Tomwsulcer; CC0 1.0 public domain dedication confirmed on the exact file page.Wikimedia CommonsCommons:Reusing content outside Wikimedia/technical ↗Wikimedia direct hotlinking guidance separately checked; CC0 per-file status and optional attribution recorded.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

Further reading

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