Water Leaks: Costs & How to Spot a Leak

Costs of Leaks

If you have a leak, your water use will increase and remain elevated until fixed, affecting your water consumption charges.

Water Service Pipe Leak

A continuous leak from a hole in a water service pipe can cost you.

Size of Hole	Amount and Cost of Water Wasted
1/16″ hole	Wastes 3.57m³ (3,570 litres) in 24 hours Costs $16.13/day or $1,935.43 in 120 days
1/8″ hole	Wastes 14 m³ (14,000 litres) in 24 hours Costs $63.25/day or $7,589.90 in 120 days
3/16″ hole	Wastes 32.13 m³ (32,130 litres) in 24 hours Costs $145.16/days or $17,418.83 in 120 days

Toilet Leak

A leaky toilet can waste up to 600+ cubic metres a month or 20 cubic metres a day:

How to Check if You Have a Leak

1. Log onto MyWaterToronto: MyWaterToronto is an online tool that allows you to track your water use by day, week, month or year. To get started, visit MyWaterToronto and enter your utility account information.

2. Watch your Meter Dial: The face of the water meter may include a flow indicator (either a red triangle or black star) that spins as water flows through the meter. To check for leaks, turn off all indoor and outdoor faucets and observe the meter. Any movement of the flow indicator while not using any water may indicate the presence of a water leak in your system. You may wish to contact a plumber to investigate.

3. Conduct a Dye Test on your Toilet: Toilets are a common cause of leaks. To check for leaks, place food colouring or dye test tablets (available at home improvement stores) in the tank at the back of your toilet. Do not flush. Wait and observe for 10-15 minutes. If the colour seeps into the toilet bowl, you have a leak.