Leaks can occur anywhere in the water supply system. Use this checklist to inspect common indoor and outdoor areas for potential leaks and water loss. Focus on the relevant areas for your site.

Indoor Inspection Checks

Walk the interior of the building, looking for the following signs of a potential leak:

• Sound of running water (when fixtures are off)
• Water flowing into a drain unexpectedly
• Pooled water on floors or other surfaces
• Saturated materials (drywall, carpet, or ceiling tiles)
• Stains or discolorations (walls, ceilings, or floors)
• Unusual Odors (may indicate mold or mildew from hidden water buildup)
• Inconsistent Water Pressure (sudden drops can signal leaks)
• High Humidity (noticeable dampness or condensation)

Indoor Leak Location Checklist

Conduct a thorough walkthrough of the building interior, examining all endpoints where water is used. Check the following common areas where leaks can occur:

1. Water Meter: Check both indoor and outdoor locations.
2. Water Meter Backflow: Inspect both indoor and outdoor locations.
3. Restrooms: Inspect toilets, urinals, faucets, and automatic flush/aerator functions for leaks.
4. Breakroom: Check sinks, water coolers, ice machines, and coffee makers for any leaks.
5. Ice Machine: Look for slow leaks around connections and drainage.
6. Water Fountains and Dispensers: Inspect for slow leaks or continuous drips.
7. Fire Riser Room: Examine valves and connections for slow leaks.
8. Fire Riser Connections: Ensure all connections are secure and dry.
9. Pump Room: Inspect valves, pumps, and lines for signs of leaks.
10. Janitor’s Closet and Mop Sinks: Check sink fixtures and hose connections.
11. Indoor Water Features: Inspect pumps, connections, and float valves for leaks.
12. Indoor Garden Center: Inspect all hose bibs, spigots, and connections for leaks.
13. Pressure Checks: Test water pressure at different points to identify any sudden

Mechanical Equipment Inspection Checklist

Walk the mechanical rooms and utility closets and inspect the following elements:

1. Cooling Tower: Verify the makeup valve, float valve, and blowdown line for leaks.
2. Boilers and Chillers: Inspect the makeup lines for any signs of leakage.
3. Water Heaters: Check for signs of rust or corrosion on the tank, leaks at the pressure relief valve, moisture around inlet/outlet connections, and proper sealing of the drain valve.
4. Water Softener: Inspect around the brine tank, inlet/outlet connections, and control valve, and ensure the drain line is free of clogs or overflow.
5. Closed Loop Systems: Check for visible drips or loose connections.
6. Reverse Osmosis Systems: Ensure filters and connections are dry and free of leaks.
7. Pumps and Motors: Inspect seals, hoses, and connections for any visible leaks.
8. Air Compressors: Check hoses, connections, and pressure regulators for leaks.
9. Steam Systems: Inspect valves, pipes, and joints for leaks or condensation.
10. Chilled Water Systems: Look for moisture around pipes, valves, or fittings.
11. Expansion Tanks: Check for moisture or leaks around tank connections.
12. Drip Pans and Collection Trays: Ensure no water accumulation around equipment.
13. HVAC Units: Inspect drain lines and condensate pans for water leakage or blockages.

Outdoor Inspection Checks

Walk the exterior of the building, looking for the following signs of a potential leak:

• Sound of running water (when fixtures are off)
• Water draining continuously into storm or sewer drains
• Muddy or saturated landscaping areas
• Overgrown vegetation (often signals underground leaks)
• Wet or cracked pavement or areas with standing water
• Pavement discoloration 
• Erosion around foundations, walkways, or landscaping
• Plant stress or browning in localized areas (root damage from a leak)

Exterior Leak Inspection Checklist

Conduct a thorough walkthrough of the building’s exterior, inspecting all water-use endpoints, including irrigation. Check these common areas for signs of leaks:

1. Water Meter: Check both indoor and outdoor locations.
2. Water Meter Backflow: Inspect both indoor and outdoor locations.
3. Unusual Vegetation Growth: Overgrown or especially green patches often indicate underground leaks.
4. Standing Water: Pooled water in parking lots or landscaped areas may signal a leak.
5. Damaged Pavement: Cracks, chipping, potholes, or sinkholes suggest possible soil erosion from water leaks.
6. Decorative Fountains: Inspect the pump, connections, and float valve for leaks.
7. Car Wash Facilities: Check hoses and pumps for any leaks.
8. Exterior Hose Bibbs: Look for slow or continuous drips.
9. Fire Hydrants: Ensure connections are secure with no drips.
10. Retaining Walls: Inspect for leaks from nearby irrigation lines.
11. Garden Center: Check constantly open valves for leaks or drips.
12. Outdoor Sinks and Hose Bibs: Inspect for slow leaks or dripping connections.
13. Retention Ponds: Observe for unusual water level fluctuations or erosion around the edges, which may indicate a leak.
14. Pressure Checks: Test water pressure at different points to identify any sudden

 If the source of the leak is still unidentified, conduct a full inspection of the irrigation system.

Irrigation System Inspection Checklist

After completing the exterior building walkthrough, perform a detailed irrigation audit:

• Controller Run Times: Confirm that run times align with the site’s water schedule and needs.
• Valve Boxes: Check for pooling water or excessive moisture.
• Sprinkler Heads: Look for signs of erosion, mud, or pooling around heads, and inspect for dirty water, which may indicate a lateral line break.
• Backflow Device: Examine for any leaks or worn components.
• Sprinkler Lines Near Retaining Walls: Ensure valves and lines are intact and leak-free.
• Sprinkler Alignment: Confirm heads are properly aligned and not spraying onto sidewalks or walls, which can indicate misalignment or pressure issues.
• Drip Irrigation Lines: Inspect for damaged or clogged emitters that may cause pooling.
• Erosion Around Sprinkler Heads: Look for areas with soil washing away around heads, which can indicate excess runoff or leakage.
• Garden Center Valves: Verify that no valves are left open or malfunctioning.
• Pressure Checks: Test water pressure at different points to identify any sudden drops, which may signal a hidden line break.