Household leaks might seem small, but they can waste thousands of gallons of water each year!Detecting and fixing leaks is one of the most impactful actions you can take to prevent water waste.Many can go unnoticed while increasing water use and utility bills.
- Toilet leaks: Running toilets are the top source of leaks inside homes and can waste as much water as taking 15 showers a day (or more)! If you suddenly have a high water bill, toilets are the first place you should check for a leak.
- Dripping faucets: Faucet and showerhead leaks add up. Just one drop every 2 seconds wastes more than 1,000 gallons per year.
- Underground leaks: Underground leaks can be very large and go on for a long time before being noticed. Watch for soggy patches of ground, an isolated area of green lawn, or water pooling on the ground outside. If the leak is under pavement or a building, a high bill or spinning water meter may be the only signs. For all underground leaks, contact a professional plumber. An experienced plumber can help minimize the amount of digging necessary to find and fix outdoor leaks. Remember to call before you dig (dial 811) to find the locations of buried utility lines.
- Water service or supply line: In most cases, the water line from the water meter to the house or building is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain. Tree roots and normal wear can sometimes lead to leaks in these pipes.
- Irrigation systems: Leaks are also common in landscaping sprinkler systems. You may need to hire a professional to repair some irrigation system leaks.
Learn how you can find and fix household leaks to save valuable water and money all year long.
