How Much Water Does a Leaky Faucet Waste?

Homeowners today are more concerned than ever with preserving our natural resources and protecting the environment. However, many people fail to realize just how much water their leaking faucets are wasting. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, water leaks can cause 10,000 gallons of water to be wasted in a single home during the course of a year. In fact, at least 10 percent of all American homes have water leaks that waste up to 100 gallons every day. Inspecting your home for signs of water leaks and repairing them is the best way to avoid wasting water.

The most common sources of water leaks are dripping faucets, leaky pipes and leaking toilet valves. Many times these leaks go undetected. A faucet dripping at a rate of one drip per second will cause 3,000 gallons of water waste in a 12 month period. Leaking shower heads are another source of water waste. Many times leaking faucets and shower heads are repaired easily with the turn of a wrench. The most common cause of leaking toilets is a faulty rubber flapper, which is easy to replace. Toilet leaks can add up to 200 gallons of water waste during the course of a year.

Inspect your home for signs of water leaks. One way to check your water usage is to monitor your water meter for two hours. Avoid using any water during this time. If your water meter reading changes, you most likely have a leak somewhere in or around your home. Leaking faucets may need to be replaced for maximum savings. Consider purchasing a faucet that bears the Water Sense label, as these products are designed to save as much water as possible. Once your faucet has been replaced, check outdoor areas for water leaks. Garden hoses and irrigation systems are common sources of outdoor water waste.

Consider having your home inspected by a plumber to be sure you are not wasting water. Having a plumber inspect your home and repair complicated water leaks will save you money in the long run. Keeping your water usage to a minimum by taking short showers instead of baths, will also help protect one of our most precious natural resources many of us take for granted.

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