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Leak Detection Guide
At the City of Midland, we use world-class metering technology to ensure billing accuracy. However, even the best meter can't stop a leak on your property. Because our water rates are tiered, a small leak left alone can quickly push your bill into a higher price bracket.
1. The Silent Toilet Leak (The #1 Culprit)
A toilet leak isn't just a "drip" — it is a constant stream of water.
- The Loss: A faulty flapper can lose 200 to 4,000+ gallons per day.
- The Cost: At Midland's higher tiers, a single running toilet can add $100 to $600 to your monthly bill.
- How to Check:
- Remove the tank lid and drop in 10 drops of food coloring or a dye tablet.
- Wait 15 minutes without flushing.
- If color appears in the bowl, your flapper is leaking.
- The Fix: Replace the rubber flapper. It's a $10 DIY fix that usually pays for itself in less than 48 hours.
2. Faucets & Showerheads (Visible but Costly)
While you can see these leaks, it's easy to underestimate their volume.
- The Loss: A steady drip (one per second) wastes 3,000 gallons a year. A steady stream (the size of a pencil) can waste 20+ gallons per hour.
- The Cost: If you have multiple dripping faucets, you are paying for thousands of gallons that never leave the drain.
- How to Check: Check your Midland Customer Portal. If your "Minimum Hourly Flow" never hits 0.00, you likely have a dripping faucet or a leaking shower valve.
- The Fix: Usually a simple washer or O-ring replacement.
3. Outdoor & Irrigation Leaks (The Volume Spikes)
In our West Texas climate, irrigation is often the reason for "sticker shock" on a water bill.
- The Loss: A single broken sprinkler head can lose 10–20 gallons per minute. If it runs for 15 minutes, 4 times a week, that's 1,200 extra gallons a month just from one broken head.
- The Cost: Large outdoor leaks often push customers into the Tier 4 rate ($14.53 per 1,000 gallons).
- How to Check:
- Look for "geysers" when the system is running.
- Watch for "mushy" or unusually green spots in your lawn.
- Check your meter: If your meter shows a flow rate while your irrigation is supposed to be off, a valve may be open or a sprinkler head or line may be broken.
- The Fix: Replace broken heads immediately and ensure your controller isn't programmed for "multiple start times."
4. The Service Line Leak (The Hidden Emergency)
This is a leak in the pipe between our meter and your house.
- The Loss: Since these pipes are under high pressure, they can lose 10,000+ gallons in a few days.
- How to Check:
- Turn off the main water shut-off valve inside or at your house.
- Check the meter. If the low-flow indicator (the small red triangle on T-10s or the digital flow icon on Sonic meters) is still moving or flashing, the leak is in the ground between the meter and your home.
- The Fix: Contact a licensed plumber immediately. This is an urgent repair to prevent foundation damage.
Why the "Average" Numbers Don't Fit Midland
You may see national averages (like the EPA's) suggesting a family of four uses 12,000 gallons a month. However, in Midland, factors like water softeners, RO systems, and large irrigation zones mean our usage patterns are different.
- Water Softeners: A softener stuck in a "backwash" cycle can waste 50–100 gallons per hour indefinitely.
- RO Systems: A failing shut-off valve on an RO system can send water straight down the drain 24/7.
Want to download this guide? View the Leak Detection Guide (PDF) for tips on how to identify and address common water leaks.
Use Your Data! Don't wait for your bill to arrive. Log in to the Midland Customer Portal to see your usage in near real-time. If you see blue bars on your graph at 3:00 AM, use the tips above to find the leak today!
Questions? Contact City Utility Billing at (432) 685-7320 or visit us at Centerpointe Plaza or City Hall.
Last Updated: 03/02/2026