While it might not always be at the top of your to-do list, checking your home for plumbing leaks on a routine basis can aid in preventing drastic problems later down the road. In addition, fixing those small leaks can save you a good amount of money on your water bill.
The numbers related to water lost because of plumbing leaks is a bit staggering. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says an average household can waste upwards of 10,000 gallons of water a year just from leaks. That’s enough for 270 loads of laundry. If you happen to fix your leaks, you will save, on average, 10 percent on your water bill.
It is crucial that you always examine your water bill. For example, if a family of four is using more than 12,000 gallons a month, there is most likely a leak somewhere. Moreover, about 10 percent of all homes in the United States have leaks that waste more than 90 gallons of water a day. A handful of plumbing leaks are easy to fix yourself. You’ll just need a handful of tools you probably already have laying around the house.
Usually, most Long Beach plumbers will tell you that the best time to check for leaks is during the winter months.
The places that are the most likely the reasons for plumbing leaks include:
- The faucet. It might not seem like too much, but if a drop of water is leaking from your faucet each second, you’ll end up with 3,000 gallons of water in a year’s time. That’s crazy right!? To fix a faucet leak, check the washers and gaskets. If they’re worn, replace them. If you’re replacing your faucet, our Long Beach Plumbers suggest that you replace it with one with the WaterSense Label.
- Shower heads. If your shower head is leaking, most Plumbers In Long Beach CA will tell you that it can probably be fixed by tightening with a wrench and using pipe tape. Ten drips in a minute adds up to 500 gallons a year — the amount of water used to clean 60 loads of dishes in the dishwasher.
- Toilets. An easy way to check for toilet leaks is by placing a drop of food coloring into the tank. If the color appears in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, then you know you have a leak. If you happen to discover a leak, there’s a good chance it’s a worn out rubber flapper valve. They generally tend to wear out over time and are a simple, affordable fix.
- Irrigation system. Once you’re safely out of the frigid winter season, our Plumbers In Long Beach, CA suggest you check your irrigation system for any damage arising from frost or freezing. Also, look for broken sprinkler heads, weak pressure, wet or soggy areas of your lawn, and increasing water bills in summer. These are all signs of a possible leak in your irrigation system.
- Hoses. Is there a leak or spray of water when you connect your outdoor garden hose to the spigot? If so, our Long Beach Plumbers recommend that you replace the washer and use pipe tape and a wrench to seal and tighten the connection.