Mark your calendars for Fix a Leek Week, March 20 through 26, 2017! This year's theme is Water Leaks Can Run, But They Can't Hide! The fact is, it just takes a small pinhole leak in a pipe to waste thousands of gallons of water and cost even more in repairs!
It doesn't take long to check for water leaks in your home and many can be easily fixed. Check out the EPA's 10 minute check list. They even have some fun games for kids (and adults) so they can get involved.
Start by Gathering Clues
The easiest place to start is with your utility bill. The average family of four uses approximately 12,000 gallons of water a month or 3,000 gallons per person. If your bill is higher than it should be, you probably have a water leak. Also, look for spikes in your bill. Learn more about your utility bill at the EPA website.
Check Your Water Meter
Make sure all the water is off inside and outside your home and check your water meter. It should not be registering. Ensure all the water stays off for about two hours and check back with the meter, if reads something different, you probably have a water leak.
Put Your Toilet to the Test
Place a couple of drops of food coloring into the tank of the toilet, check back in 10 minutes. If the food color has seeped into the bowl, it can indicate a leak. It may just take replacing a flapper to save thousands of gallons of water.
A few other clues include moisture or mold on walls or ceilings, a musty odor, the sound of running water when appliances are turned off, warm areas on the floor, cracked tiles, blistering paint, and peeling wallpaper.
How Much Water Do We Really Use?
According to research by the American Water Works Association, we use 16.8% in the shower, 15.7% by faucets, 21.7% washing cloths, 26.7% toilets, 13.7% in water leaks, and 5.3% other.
Conserving water is more important than ever!
If you suspect your home or business has a water leak, contact the Leak Doctor.
