Every year in March, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense program promotes their national campaign Fix a Leak Week to help homeowners identify and repair household leaks. The campaign highlights the importance of fixing household leaks to promote water conservation while simultaneously saving you money on your utility bills and preventing costly damage caused by leaks.
Household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually, with 10% of homes experiencing leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. That’s hundreds of dollars in unnecessary utility bills each year.
Plumbing Leaks: The Most Common Household Issue
Plumbing leaks are one of the biggest culprits of water waste and structural damage. Hidden leaks in pipes, faucets, and toilets can go undetected for months, leading to mold growth, increased water bills, and costly repairs. Common types of leaks found in the home are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. These types of leaks are often easy to fix, requiring only a few tools and hardware that can pay for themselves in water savings. Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills.
How to Detect a Plumbing Leak
- Water Leak Detection – Check for unexpected spikes in your water bill or wet spots on walls and ceilings. Take a look at your water usage during a colder month, such as January or February. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, there are serious leaks.
- Water Heater Leak – Inspect for water, dampness, mold, or mildew growth and listen for unusual sounds, like hissing, popping, or clanking. The most obvious sign is the presence of water puddles especially around the connections, valves, or pipes.
- Toilet Leak Repair – Use the food coloring test to check if your toilet is silently leaking. To do the food coloring test, put a few drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. (Be sure to flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)
- Leaky Pipe – Look for stained or sagging ceilings and walls, which indicate hidden water damage. Low water pressure can be a sign of a pipe leak, while unexpectedly high water bills suggest excess water usage from an undetected issue. Pay attention to musty or foul odors, which could mean mold or mildew from prolonged leaks. Additionally, listen for the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use, as this may signal a hidden leak behind walls or under floors.
- Leaking Faucets – Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks. Remember that a drip every second can waste over 3,000 gallons a year!
- Drain Leak Under Sink – Look for water stains inside cabinets beneath sinks.
- Slab Leak Detection – Warm spots on floors and cracks in the foundation may signal a hidden leak.
- Water Meter – Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
Ready to Make the Change? Call Harts Plumbers, Electricians, & HVAC Technicians!
Whether it’s innovative plumbing solutions, efficient electrical repairs, or reliable HVAC maintenance, trust Harts to handle your home essentials with precision and care. Contact us today to discover the Harts difference and enjoy peace of mind in your home maintenance endeavors.
Toilet Leaks
Over time, toilet flappers (also known as valve seals) can wear out, leading to leaks. This rubber component controls water flow by sealing the tank and releasing water into the bowl when flushed. As the rubber deteriorates, it can result in silent leaks or phantom flushing, wasting thousands of gallons of water each year. To maintain efficiency and prevent leaks, the flapper should be inspected regularly and replaced every five years.
Faucet Leaks
A leaky faucet may seem like a minor nuisance, but even a slow drip—just one drop per second—can waste over 3,000 gallons of water annually. That’s enough water for more than 180 showers, leading to higher utility bills and unnecessary energy waste.
Common Causes of a Leaky Faucet
- Worn-Out Parts – Over time, O-rings, washers, and gaskets can deteriorate due to friction and water pressure, leading to leaks. This is especially common in compression faucets.
- Corroded Valve Seat – The valve seat, which connects the faucet and spout, can corrode due to mineral buildup, causing leaks at the base of the faucet.
- Improper Installation – A misaligned or loosely connected faucet can cause leaks if not installed correctly.
- Damaged Pipes – Cracks or breaks in pipes beneath the faucet can lead to hidden leaks that may not be immediately visible.
- High Water Pressure – Excessive water pressure can force water through weak points in your plumbing system, causing leaks in faucets and pipes.
How Leaky Faucets Waste Water and Money
- Significant Water Waste – Even a slow drip adds up quickly, wasting thousands of gallons of water per year.
- Increased Utility Bills – Wasted water results in higher water bills, and if hot water is leaking, it also increases energy costs for heating that water.
- Potential for Further Damage – If left unaddressed, leaks can worsen over time, leading to water stains, mold growth, and damage to surrounding surfaces.
How to Prevent and Fix a Leaky Faucet
- Regular Maintenance – Inspect faucets periodically, clean aerators, and check for worn washers or gaskets to prevent leaks.
- Prompt Repairs – Address leaks as soon as possible to avoid higher costs and potential water damage.
- Call A Professional – If you’re unsure how to fix a leaky faucet or if the issue is more complex, call Harts for licensed plumber for expert repairs.
Taking action on leaky faucets isn’t just about stopping an annoying drip—it’s a smart financial and environmental decision. By fixing leaks promptly, homeowners can prevent thousands of gallons of water from being wasted each year, which translates into lower water bills and reduced energy costs—especially if hot water is leaking.
Outdoor Leaks
Before turning on your in-ground irrigation system for the season, inspect it for any damage caused by frost or freezing over the winter. Even a small 1/32-inch leak—about the thickness of a dime—can waste 6,300 gallons of water per month, significantly increasing your water bill. If you’re unsure how to check for leaks or need professional assistance, consider hiring a Harts local plumber to inspect your home’s plumbing and sewer system. The professional plumbers at Harts can identify leaks, optimize your home’s performance, and reduce unnecessary water waste.
Outdoor leaks aren’t just limited to irrigation systems. Check your garden hose for leaks at the connection to the spigot. If water drips or sprays while the hose is running, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight, leak-free seal by applying pipe tape (Teflon tape) and securing the connection with a wrench. Taking these simple steps can help conserve water, prevent costly waste, and keep your irrigation system running efficiently all season long.
Sewer Leaks: More Than Just a Bad Smell
Sewer leaks are often hidden underground, making them harder to detect than a typical water leak. A leaking sewer pipe can lead to sewer gas exposure, structural damage, and environmental hazards.
Signs of a Sewer Line Leak
- Sewer Gas Leak – Rotten egg or sulfur smells near drains.
- Sewer Line Leak – Unexplained lush patches of grass or foundation cracks.
- Leaking Sewer Pipe – Slow-draining sinks, gurgling noises, and sinkholes in the yard.
Ignoring a sewer leak can result in foundation damage and hazardous mold growth. If you suspect a problem, contact a professional sewer repair specialist immediately.
Take 10 Minutes to Chase Down Leaks in Your Home
In just 10 minutes, you can inspect your home for leaks and eliminate water waste. Many common household leaks—like worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and leaking showerheads—are easy to find and fix. Identifying and repairing these minor issues can reduce utility bills and conserve water, benefiting both your home and the community.
Taking a proactive approach by inspecting, maintaining, and repairing faucets helps conserve one of our most valuable resources—water—while also ensuring a more efficient and damage-free home. Whether it’s a simple washer replacement or a more complex plumbing issue, fixing a leaky faucet is a small step that leads to big benefits
Beyond saving money, addressing faucet leaks protects your home from long-term damage. Persistent leaks can lead to water stains, mold growth, and even structural deterioration in surrounding areas like countertops, cabinets, and walls. Over time, unchecked moisture can weaken wood, corrode pipes, and create costly repair issues. If you discover a persistent leak, don’t wait—contact a professional plumber at Harts to diagnose and repair the issue today!
