Your Hawaiʻi Year-End Water Audit (Catch Leaks Before Next Year’s Bills Hit)

Before the holidays fully kick in, December is the perfect time to run a quick year-end Water Audit—a simple but powerful way to catch hidden leaks, slow drips, and waste that can rack up costly water bills in the new year.

With Hawaiʻi’s high utility costs and year-round humidity, unnoticed leaks can lead to mold growth, termite attraction, and thousands of gallons wasted.

Why a Water Audit Matters

• Hawaiʻi homes rely heavily on outdoor hoses, irrigation, and older plumbing

• Even tiny leaks can cause mold behind walls in our humid climate

• Many homeowners don’t notice the problem until their bill spikes

Your Easy Year-End Water Audit Checklist

1. Check Your Water Meter for Overnight Movement

Turn off all taps for 2 hours. If the meter moves, you likely have a hidden leak.

2. Inspect Under-Sink Shutoff Valves

Humidity corrodes these quickly—run your fingers around the base to check for dampness.

3. Test Toilet Tanks for Silent Leaks

Drop a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the bowl changes color within 10 minutes, it’s leaking.

4. Flush Outdoor Hose Lines

Sand and mineral buildup is common in Hawaiʻi. Detach hoses and let the line run for 10 seconds.

5. Check Irrigation Timers After Power Blips

Frequent outages can reset timers, causing irrigation to run longer than you realize.

6. Inspect the Water Heater Base

Look for rust rings, moisture, or white mineral trails—early signs of tank failure.

Bonus Tip

Take a photo of your water meter reading on December 31—you’ll have a reference point for next year.