How to Spot and Fix Water Waste in Your Home or Landscape

Water is one of our most precious and limited resources. Yet in homes and landscapes across the country, it’s being wasted every day.

Leaks, overwatering, outdated fixtures, and poor irrigation practices lead to thousands of gallons of wasted water each year. Whether you live in a drought-prone area or not, finding and fixing water waste is one of the smartest things you can do to protect your wallet, your property, and the environment. 

This guide will help you identify signs of water waste in and around your home, and offer practical solutions to fix them. 

Inside the Home: Where Water Waste Often Hides 

Leaks and inefficiencies inside your home may go unnoticed but can have a significant impact. A single faucet dripping once per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water annually. 

1. Check Fixtures 

Inspect all faucets, showerheads, and toilets. Toilets are particularly prone to silent leaks. Add food coloring to the tank and wait 10 minutes if color appears in the bowl without flushing, the flapper valve likely needs replacement. 

2. Monitor Your Water Bill 

An unexplained increase in your water bill could indicate a hidden leak. Compare usage to the same time last year. If there’s a significant rise and no lifestyle change, it’s time to investigate. 

3. Inspect Appliances and Supply Lines 

Check behind washing machines, dishwashers, and under sinks. Cracks or worn-out hoses often leak water slowly and may go undetected until damage appears. 

4. Use Smart Leak Detection 

The B-hyve Smart Flood Sensor helps catch leaks early. Place it near water heaters, appliances, sinks, or in basements. If it detects moisture, you’ll receive a real-time alert through the B-hyve app—allowing for immediate action to prevent damage and waste. 

Outdoor Water Use: The Larger Footprint 

Outdoor irrigation can account for up to 70% of household water use, especially in dry climates. Fortunately, it’s also where the most significant savings potential lies. 

1. Walk Your Landscape 

Observe your irrigation system in action. Broken or misaligned sprinkler heads can cause water to spray onto sidewalks or streets instead of your plants. Repair or replace any damaged parts immediately. 

2. Prevent Runoff 

If water is pooling or running off into the street, it’s a sign your soil can’t absorb it quickly enough. Break watering into shorter cycles with rest periods in between. Improving soil with mulch or compost can also increase water retention. 

3. Maintain Drip Irrigation Systems 

Drip irrigation is highly efficient, but only when functioning correctly. Look for leaks, clogs, or missing emitters. Small issues can cause significant overwatering or underwatering and lead to plant stress. 

Upgrade to Smarter Irrigation 

One of the best upgrades for water savings is switching to a smart irrigation controller. These systems adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather, soil conditions, and plant needs. Husqvarna’s smart controllers can cut water use by 30 to 50 percent. 

Adding a flow sensor takes it a step further by detecting breaks or leaks and shutting off the system to prevent water loss. 

Bonus: Use the Rain 

Collecting rainwater in barrels or cisterns is an excellent supplemental water source. It reduces demand on your irrigation system and is environmentally friendly. 

Even better, ETwater smart controllers by Husqvarna go beyond basic rain sensors. These advanced systems: 

• Predict rainfall and reduce irrigation ahead of storms 
• Measure actual rainfall and determine how much is usable 
• Adjust watering schedules based on both expected and actual rainfall 

By combining historical data, real-time weather, and predictive AI, ETwater ensures your landscape gets precisely what it needs no more, no less. These intelligent systems optimize watering decisions to conserve water without sacrificing plant health. 

Monthly Water-Saving Checklist 

Use this checklist to stay proactive about preventing water waste: 

• Inspect faucets, toilets, and hoses for leaks 
• Read your water meter before and after a 2-hour no-use period 
• Watch irrigation zones during operation 
• Address broken heads or runoff immediately 
• Clean drip irrigation emitters regularly 
• Upgrade to smart controllers and flow sensors 
• Install or maintain rain sensors 
• Use B-hyve flood sensors near indoor water sources 

Making Water Stewardship a Priority 

Water is too valuable to waste. By paying attention to the little signs and investing in smart technology, you can make a big difference both for the environment and your bottom line. 

At Husqvarna, we believe in practical, powerful tools that help you use water wisely while maintaining a thriving home or landscape. Whether it’s preventing leaks indoors or fine-tuning irrigation outdoors, we’re here to help you grow more with less.