Check for Leaks

Repair Irrigation and Plumbing Leaks

Leak Guide

Use our printable Leak Guide to help you locate and learn about your leak!

Checking for a Leak

1. Check Your Toilets & Irrigation System

These are common sources of leaks. Open the tank on the back of the toilet and add several drops of food coloring, or use the free toilet leak detection kits available at our office during business hours. Wait 15 minutes. If colored water shows up in the toilet bowl, there is a leak. Replace or re-adjust the flapper and check for leaks again. We provide free flappers to customers as well.

Check your irrigation system while it is both off and on. Things to look for that indicate leaks include tall vegetation or moss growing around sprinkler heads, wet spots on soil or pavement, eroding soil, dry spots in your lawn, etc.

2. Use Your Water Meter

Follow our meter reading instructions to help verify if you have a leak.

3. Use the WaterSmart Customer Portal

The WaterSmart Customer portal is a great tool to help you diagnose a leak. Check your daily and hourly usage to see when the leak started, the leak volume, etc. Often this can give you a good place to start when searching for your leak. For example, notice that the leak started when your irrigation system kicked on – check there first! If you need help interpreting this information, give us a call and we can help you.

Need More Help?

More helpful information (including videos) on how to find your leak can be found by checking out the Water Leak Resources from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Please note that District staff strive to help customers with their leak detection by answering questions and providing education and guidance, but finding and repairing the leak is ultimately the responsibility of the customer.

Fix Your Leaks!

1. Do-It-Yourself

Depending on what kind of leak you have and how handy you are, you may be able to fix your leak on your own. You can find how-to videos and other helpful local resources at WaterSavingTips.org.

2. Leave It to the Professionals

Hire a local plumber to fix your leak. The cost eventually pays for itself in money saved on your water bill!

We're Fixing Our Leaks, Too

Our staff is on call 24/7 to address unexpected leaks that arise on our side of the water meters such as water main breaks and fire hydrants hit by cars. In 2018 our customer service field staff responded to over 200 service calls and construction and maintenance staff fixed close to 79 service leaks and 13 main leaks. We are also proactively working to upgrade older parts of our water system to prevent future leaks in older pipes.

Call 831-475-8500 if you see water gushing in the street.

  1. Why did I receive a continuous water use alert?
  2. If I receive a continuous use alert, does this mean I have a leak?
  3. How do I know if I’m responsible for the leak or if Soquel Creek Water is responsible?
  4. How do I get email, text, or phone alerts about continuous use?
  5. Do I need to contact Soquel Creek Water if I receive a continuous use alert?
  6. Can Soquel Creek help me look for or repair a leak or source of my continuous usage??
  7. How can I tell if my continuous use has stopped?
  8. How do I apply for a leak adjustment?
  9. My property has a leak, but I didn’t receive an alert. Why?
  10. Can I get continuous use alerts for my multifamily residential property or business?
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