Do you have leaky faucet in your home?
From March 20 – 26, 2017, the United States Environmental Protection Agency is hosting the ninth annual National Fix A Leak Week. For the entire week, people across the nation are taking time to spread awareness about unnecessary and avoidable water waste in homes across the country.
This year, get involved and make sure your house is leak free so you can do your part to save some water. The earth will thank you, and so will your wallet!
National Fix A Leak Week 2017
From March 20 – 26, the US EPA is taking some time to highlight an easily avoidable source of water waste in American homes. Over 1 trillion gallons are wasted annually in the US. To combat this waste, there are a few things you can do in your own home!
Check Your Water Usage
If you’re home doesn’t have any obviously leaking faucets, there are several ways you can check if water is being wasted.
- Look at your home’s water usage from February. If a family of four has exceeded 12,000 gallons for the month, there is likely a serious leaking problem.
- Find a time when no water in being used in your home. Check your water meter, wait two hours, then check it again. If the meter has changed at all, you have a leak somewhere in the home!
- The EPA suggests testing your toilet for leaks by adding a drop of food coloring to the toilet tank. After 10 minutes, if you see color in the toilet bowl, you have a leak! (They also advise that you flush immediately after the 10 minutes to avoid stains!)
Areas Prone to Leaks
Leaks are often caused by old or worn gaskets and washers in faucets, toilets and shower heads. Proper maintenance can catch these failing parts before they actually fail, and save your home money on repair costs. Toilets have a valve-seal or flapper that can become worn and cause leaks. Replacement of this inexpensive part can often fix toilet leaks. Additionally, in-ground irrigation systems are often damaged by cold weather, so it is important to have them inspected annually.
Spread the Word!
This year, take some time to check your home for leaks, and do your part to save water! While it is fun to participate in Fix A Leak Week, be sure to watch for leaks in your home throughout the year, too. Teach your children about water conservation, and ask your friends and family if they practice water-saving techniques. To learn more, visit the EPA website for great tips and video tutorials!
If you suspect a leak in your home, or if you’d like to schedule preventative maintenance on your plumbing in Fort Worth, TX, Lasiter and Lasiter Plumbing can give you a hand! Protect the Earth, and save some money too!
