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

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.
• drops, which may signal a hidden line break.
• 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