Report A Water Leak

Water leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water each year and increase your bill. Knowing how to check for and fix common leaks can save water, money, and prevent damage to your home.

How to Report a Leak

  • During business hours: Call the Public Works Office at (618) 242-6850.
  • After hours: call (618) 242-2131.

How to Check for Leaks

Small leaks add up fast—most homes lose about 10,000 gallons per year, and some lose much more.

Common leaks include:

  • Dripping faucets
  • Worn toilet flappers
  • Leaky valves

Fixing these simple issues can save up to 10% on your water bill.

Toilet Leaks

Toilets are the most common source of household water leaks.

Check for leaks:

  1. Remove the tank lid and flush the toilet.
  2. After the tank fills up, make sure the water level stops about ½ inch below the top of the overflow pipe.
  3. If the water keeps rising, adjust the float or the screw near the float so it shuts off the water at the right level.

Test for silent leaks:

Sometimes, leaks don’t make any noise. Here’s an easy test to check for a silent leak:

  • Add a few drops of food coloring into the full tank.
  • Wait an hour without flushing.
  • If colored water shows up in the bowl, you have a leak.

Fix the problem:

  • Most issues are caused by a worn-out flapper valve or plunger ball.
  • These parts are usually cheap to replace and can be found at a local hardware or home improvement store.
Dye Test Steps

Faucet Leaks

Even one drip per second wastes over 3,000 gallons a year.

How to fix:

  • Replace the rubber washer, gasket, or O-ring inside the faucet.
  • Check outdoor faucets to make sure the valve closes all the way.

Showerhead Leaks

A showerhead dripping 10 times per minute can waste 500 gallons per year.

How to fix:

  • Make sure the showerhead is screwed on tightly.
  • Wrap pipe (Teflon) tape around the threads before putting the showerhead back on. 

Still Have a Leak?

If you checked your toilets, faucets, and showerheads and still think you have a leak, your next step is to look at:

  • Pipes and connections under your sinks
  • Water lines and valves in your basement or crawlspace

Some leaks may be harder to spot and may require a plumber.

Contact Information

Public Works Office
1201 Casey Avenue
Mount Vernon IL 62864
See on map: Google Maps

Office Hours
Monday - Friday
7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Phone: (618) 242-6853
Fax: (618) 242-6861

After Hours/Emergency
(618) 242-2131

Public Works Director
Matt Fauss
Email: matt.fauss@mtvernon.com

Assistant Public Works Director
Stephen Talley
Email: stephen.talley@mtvernon.com