Have you been ignoring that wet spot on your ceiling or leaky faucet in your kitchen sink? This week is National Fix a Leak Week, and it’s time to expose those drips and save your home 10% on your water bill each month! According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), minor water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of wasted water each year and is equal to annual household water use in 11 million homes.
The most common places to find household leaks are your toilet, sinks, or water heater. If your water bill is higher than usual, you might have a leak somewhere in your home. Below are some tips on how to seek out where you are losing water.
Toilet
- Do a visual inspection of the toilet.
- If you notice rust spots on the floor or water behind the bowl, you may have a leak.
- Shut the water off by turning the valve behind the toilet.
- Check supply hose for loose connections.
Sink
- Once a month, check items beneath the cabinet to see if they are dry.
- If the items are always wet, then you have a leak, and you need to shut the water off.
- Leaks come from the drain pipe or the water pipe.
- If the leak is from the water pipe (continuously wet, even after drying), then shut the water off.
- If the leak is from the drain pipe, put a pan or bucket under the sink until a professional can come out and assess.
Water Heater
- Water heaters are typically in the basement, a closet, or attic.
- They can leak, but continue to operate (such as water coming through the ceiling).
- Check the water heater for moisture in the water heater pan and on top around the pipe connectors. If you notice rusting, moisture, or corrosion then you have a problem.
- Once a quarter, when you change your HVAC air filter, check your water heater for moisture and leaks (they’re typically in the same area of the house).
Other Tips
- If your water bill is higher than usual, but you’ve checked the house for leaks and didn’t find any, you may have a water leak underground.
- Another way to check for leaks is to turn off all of your home’s water-using appliances and read your water meter. If the flow-indicator arrow or the dials on your meter are still turning, then you have a leak.
- You can also detect leakage by learning how to read your water meter.
- Don’t forget to check your outside hose faucets for leaks (garden hoses, water sprinklers, etc.)
Don’t leave leaks unattended. While small leaks around the house may seem like a small drop in the bucket, they can end of costing you a pretty penny while causing significant water waste. Schedule regular plumbing maintenance. Preventative maintenance can help your plumbing continue to function properly, efficiently and safely. Consider an ARS/Rescue Rooter Plumbing Home Service Plan.
After finding the source of water loss, it is best to call a professional. Call ARS®/Rescue Rooter® at 866-399-2885 to set up an appointment with one of our plumbing specialists. We’ll be happy to assist you with all your plumbing needs.
