Leaking toilets, taps and more particularly, leaking underground pipes can waste a lot of water, leading to high water bills. For example, a tap that drips once every second will waste up to 9 gallons per day. In comparison, a leaking underground water pipe can waste thousands of gallons per day and may not be visible. Leaks can also cause structural damage to your property and even attract termites.
LEAKY TOILET - A leaky toilet can cost you up to 200 gallons of water a day.
To check for a toilet leak: Drip a drop of food coloring in the toilet’s tank. Don’t flush your toilet for sometime; if the color shows in the bowl, then your toilet has a leak.
Fix it: In most cases, a toilet leak is caused by a worn toilet flapper due to decays or mineral build up in its rubber part. A rubber flapper is inexpensive and easily installed.
LEAKY FAUCET – A leaky faucet is easily noticeable because of the sound of dripping water.
Fix it: Make sure all faucets are tightly turned off and not leaking.Replace old faucets with new water-efficient models or install aerators to reduce flow.
LEAKY SHOWERHEAD – A showerhead that drops just 10 drips in a minute wastes more than 500 gallons per year.
Fix it: Most leaky showerheads can be fixed by making sure they are screwed in tight. If needed, pipe tape can help seal shower fixture connection.
CONCEALED LEAK – If you think you may have a concealed leak such as an underground leak or would like to check, please follow the steps below:
Fixing household leaks is not only an important way to conserve water, but a simple way to lower your utility bill.