Fix-a-Leak Week is March 16-22

Greensboro, NC

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Leaks can run, but don't let them hide!

Finding Those Leaks

Facts:

~ An average US household's leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year.

~ Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.

The most common leak found in a home is due to a worn toilet flappers.

Other common types of leaks found in the home are dripping faucets and shower heads and leaking valves, sprinklers and other indoor and outdoor fixtures.

Fixing these leaks are easy and can save you 1money on your monthly water bill.

One of the easiest tests is for a toilet leak. Follow the steps below.

Also, check out the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) video on how to replace that flapper and review EPA's check list (En Espanol) of other possible origins of water leaks in your home.

Pro Tips:

Get in the habit of checking all your toilets at the same time each year.
Never use tank cleaners. They can break down your toilet parts quickly, creating leaks.
Bring your old flapper to the store for comparison, to make sure you buy the correct replacement.

Twist on a New Aerator

Facts:

~ A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year.

~ A shower head leaking at 10 drips per minute wastes more than 500 gallons per year. That's the amount of water it takes to wash 60 loads of dishes in your dishwasher.

Old and worn faucet aerators and washers frequently cause leaks. Check out EPA's video on how to replace leaky faucet aerators.

Also, make sure to tighten hose and pipe connections, as well as shower heads. Watch this EPA video on how to replace a shower head.

Pro Tip:

Some leaks can be fixed by making sure there is a tighter connection between the aerator or shower head and pipe stem. Apply pipe/Teflon tape around threads to create a tighter seal. If the leak continues, you may need to buy a new device.

*Note: Remember to turn off the water before checking connections!

Leaks Still Flowing?

Don’t forget the outside! Check these:

Your garden hose for leaks at its connection to the spigot. You might need a new nylon or rubber hose washer to ensure a tight connection.
Under the house for puddles near your water heater. There could be an issue with that piece of equipment.
Along the path from your house to the meter or along any irrigation line. If the ground is abnormally wet, you may have a leak in your service line or irrigation line.

If you still can't find the leak, it may be time to call a plumbing/irrigation professional.

Replacing Fixtures

Check out WaterSense-labeled models of fixtures. These items use 20 percent less water, which saves you money, and perform as well as or better than standard models.

Here's a complete list of WaterSense products.