If your water bill in San Tan Valley suddenly jumps, but your daily routine hasn’t changed, there is a good chance you have a hidden leak somewhere in your home. Even very small drips can waste thousands of gallons of water a year and cost you hundreds of dollars.
In our desert climate, water is too valuable to waste. Fixing minor leaks early protects your wallet, preserves our local water supply, and helps prevent serious damage to your home.
This guide will walk you through:
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Why minor leaks cost you so much money
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How to tell if you have a hidden leak
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The most common leak locations in San Tan Valley homes
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Simple checks and fixes you can do yourself
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When you should call a professional plumber
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How regular maintenance can keep your bill low all year
Why Tiny Leaks Make a Big Difference in Your Water Bill
Many homeowners in San Tan Valley are surprised to learn how much water a small leak can waste:
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A faucet dripping once per second can waste more than 2,000–3,000 gallons per year.
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A running toilet can quietly waste hundreds of gallons a day.
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A slow underground leak in your yard can add tens of dollars per month to your bill.
Because these leaks often happen out of sight—or seem too small to matter—they get ignored. But your water meter measures every drop. That’s why your bill keeps climbing even if you don’t feel like you’re using more water.
Fixing leaks early matters for three big reasons:
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Lower monthly bills You pay for all water that passes through your meter, whether you use it or it leaks into the ground. Stopping even one minor leak can quickly pay for the repair.
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Prevent property damage Slow leaks inside walls, under sinks, or near slabs can cause mold, ruined flooring, warped cabinets, and structural issues. Repairing water damage usually costs far more than fixing the original leak.
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Protect our local water supply San Tan Valley and the greater Phoenix area rely on limited water resources. Reducing waste helps our community and keeps future costs down.
Common Household Leaks in San Tan Valley Homes
Some types of leaks are especially common in our area because of hard water, aging plumbing, and temperature swings. Here are the ones to watch for:
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Dripping bathroom or kitchen faucets
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Showerheads that leak at the connection or continue to drip after shutoff
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Running or constantly refilling toilets
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Leaking angle stops (the small shutoff valves under sinks and toilets)
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Worn washing machine hoses
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Leaking outdoor hose bibs and hose connections
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Irrigation system leaks in yards and planter areas
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Slab leaks or underground leaks from older copper lines
Catching these early is the key to lowering your water bill and avoiding major repairs.
How to Tell If You Have a Hidden Leak
You don’t need special tools to find many leaks. Here are practical steps any homeowner in San Tan Valley can follow.
1. Watch for changes in your water bill
Look at your bill from Johnson Utilities or your local provider and compare it month to month:
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Does your usage (gallons, not just dollars) keep creeping up?
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Did your bill jump suddenly without any obvious reason (guests staying over, new landscaping, pool filling, etc.)?
If yes, you may have a leak somewhere in the home or yard.
2. Use your water meter to test for leaks
Your water meter is usually in a buried box near the street or sidewalk.
Try this simple test:
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Turn off all water inside and outside your home. Make sure washing machines, dishwashers, sprinklers, and ice makers are not running.
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Find your meter and open the lid carefully.
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Look for the small leak indicator (often a tiny triangle or dial).
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If it’s spinning while all water is off, you likely have a leak.
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Take a picture or write down the meter reading.
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Wait 30–60 minutes without using any water.
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Check the meter again. If the reading has changed, water is going somewhere—and that likely means a leak.
If the meter is moving and you don’t see obvious leaks inside, the issue may be underground or in your irrigation system.
3. Check for signs of moisture or damage
Walk through your home and yard and look for:
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Soft, damp, or stained areas on ceilings or walls
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Warped cabinets or bubbling paint under sinks
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Musty smells (a sign of long-term moisture)
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Warm spots on floors (possible hot water slab leak)
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Extra green or soggy patches in your yard that never seem to dry
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Cracks in the slab or tile that appear alongside other moisture signs
These clues can help narrow down where the leak might be.
How to Check and Fix the Most Common Minor Leaks
Many minor leaks can be checked—and sometimes fixed—by homeowners. Below are some safe, practical steps.
Dripping faucets
A dripping faucet is one of the most visible (and annoying) leaks, but it’s usually simple to address.
Common causes:
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Worn-out rubber washer or O‑ring
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Mineral buildup from hard water
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Loose faucet handle or cartridge
Basic steps:
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Turn off the water to that faucet using the shutoff valves under the sink.
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Plug the sink to avoid losing small parts.
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Remove the handle and trim; inspect the cartridge, washer, and O‑rings.
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Replace worn rubber parts or the cartridge if needed.
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Reassemble and turn water back on, then test.
If you’re not comfortable taking the faucet apart, a plumber can usually fix this quickly and affordably.
Leaking showerheads
Signs:
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Water spraying from the connection where the shower arm meets the head
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Showerhead continues to drip long after shutoff
What to try:
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Remove the showerhead and clean off old tape or debris on the threads.
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Wrap new plumber’s tape on the threads of the shower arm.
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Reinstall the showerhead tightly, but don’t overtighten.
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Check if the valve is fully shutting off. If it isn’t, the internal valve may need repair.
A new showerhead and fresh tape are inexpensive and can stop wasted water immediately.
Running toilets
Toilets are one of the biggest hidden water wasters in San Tan Valley homes.
Typical symptoms:
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You hear the toilet refilling on its own when nobody flushed.
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The water in the bowl ripples or moves constantly.
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There is slow, constant water trickling into the bowl.
Quick diagnostic test:
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Put a few drops of food coloring into the tank (not the bowl).
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Wait 15–30 minutes without flushing.
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If colored water appears in the bowl, water is leaking past the flapper.
Common fixes:
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Replace the flapper if it’s warped, cracked, or stiff.
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Make sure the chain isn’t too tight or too long (it should allow the flapper to fully close).
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Adjust the float so the water level stops below the overflow tube.
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If the fill valve is noisy or doesn’t shut off properly, consider replacing it.
Toilet repair kits are inexpensive and widely available, and they often pay for themselves within a couple of billing cycles through reduced water use.
Under‑sink leaks (kitchen and bathroom)
Look under your sinks with a flashlight:
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Check the P‑trap (U‑shaped pipe), supply lines, and shutoff valves.
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Run the faucet and look for dripping, especially around joints and connections.
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Check for swelling or soft spots on cabinet bases.
Minor issues:
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Loose slip nuts on the drain can sometimes be gently tightened by hand.
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Dripping supply line connections may be fixed by slight tightening with a wrench.
If lines are old, corroded, or made of cheap plastic, replacement is usually safer than repeated tightening. Any signs of significant damage or mold warrant a professional inspection.
Outdoor hose bibs and irrigation
In San Tan Valley’s heat, outdoor plumbing takes a beating.
Check:
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Hose bibs for drips when turned off.
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Hose connections for leaking gaskets.
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Irrigation valves and lines for wet spots, bubbling, or constant running.
Basic actions:
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Replace worn rubber gaskets in hose fittings.
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Tighten loose connections.
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Inspect irrigation timer settings to ensure zones aren’t running longer than needed.
Underground irrigation leaks can be tricky because they’re hidden. If you see constantly damp soil, muddy patches, or unusually green stripes of grass, it may be time to call a professional.
When Minor Leaks Are Actually Major Problems
Not every leak is a DIY project. Some issues require professional tools and expertise to avoid making the problem worse.
Call a licensed plumber if you notice:
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A sudden spike in your water bill and you can’t find any visible leaks
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Warm spots on your floor, especially on concrete slabs
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Reduced water pressure combined with unexplained wet areas
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Sounds of running water in walls when no fixtures are on
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Continuous meter movement even after you’ve shut off water to toilets and fixtures
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Repeated leaks in the same area
These could indicate:
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Slab leaks beneath your home
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Underground line leaks between the street and your house
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Hidden pipe damage inside walls or ceilings
These situations can become very expensive if ignored. Early detection and professional repair often save thousands in damage and wasted water.
Preventive Maintenance to Keep Your Water Bill Low
Catching leaks early is ideal, but you can go a step further by preventing many of them in the first place.
Here are practical habits for San Tan Valley homeowners:
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Inspect under all sinks every month. Look for moisture, staining, or warping.
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Listen for toilets that keep running or refill frequently.
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Check your water meter every couple of months when no water is in use.
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Replace old supply lines (to toilets, sinks, and appliances) with braided stainless steel.
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Flush your water heater annually to reduce sediment buildup that can strain plumbing.
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Have a professional plumbing inspection every 1–2 years, especially in older homes or when buying a new property.
These simple steps can dramatically reduce both water waste and the stress of surprise plumbing emergencies.
How Fixing Minor Leaks Helps San Tan Valley Homeowners Specifically
San Tan Valley has some unique conditions that make early leak repairs especially important:
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Hard water: Mineral buildup wears out rubber seals, cartridges, and valves faster, leading to leaks.
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High summer heat: Expansion and contraction of pipes can loosen connections over time.
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Irrigation demands: Many homes rely on automatic sprinklers and drip systems, which can leak unnoticed for months.
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Rising water costs: As water becomes more expensive to deliver to our growing community, any waste hits your wallet harder.
By staying proactive and addressing small leaks right away, you adapt to these local realities and keep your home more efficient and comfortable.
Professional Leak Detection vs. DIY: Which Do You Need?
A do‑it‑yourself approach is great for simple, visible problems like dripping faucets, showerheads, and basic toilet repairs. You save money on service calls and learn more about your own home.
Professional leak detection makes sense when:
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You suspect an underground or slab leak.
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The leak comes and goes, and you can’t find a pattern.
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You hear water but can’t see where it’s coming from.
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Multiple fixtures lose pressure or act strangely at the same time.
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You’re planning a remodel and want to know the condition of older pipes.
Professionals can use specialized equipment—such as electronic leak detectors, moisture meters, and thermal imaging—to locate problems without tearing open large areas of your home. This targeted approach often saves time, money, and unnecessary damage.
Need Help Lowering Your Water Bill in San Tan Valley?
If you live in San Tan Valley, Queen Creek, or nearby areas and your water bill is higher than it should be, addressing minor leaks now is one of the smartest things you can do. Even if you don’t see obvious drips, there may be hidden issues quietly wasting water and money every month.
At AZ Emergency Plumbing, we help local homeowners:
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Track down hidden leaks using professional diagnostic tools
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Repair dripping faucets, running toilets, and under‑sink leaks
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Inspect irrigation and outdoor plumbing for waste
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Fix slab and underground leaks with minimal disruption
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Perform preventive inspections to keep your bill low long term
We understand San Tan Valley’s specific water and plumbing challenges and work to give you clear explanations, upfront options, and reliable repairs.
If you’re ready to get your water bill under control, schedule an inspection or leak repair with:
AZ Emergency Plumbing Phone: (480) 547-9517
A quick call today can stop small leaks from becoming big, expensive problems tomorrow.
