Leaks are a big drain
on your wallet
Leaks account for a large portion of home water waste, and even small leaks can add up to big money over time. If you have a dripping faucet or a leaky toilet, it pays to fix it fast.
Water Leakage/Cost Comparison
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 How to find a leak
You can tell if you have a leak simply by checking your water meter. First, make sure all fixtures are turned off (including automatic
ice makers) and note the meter reading. Then, after an hour or more, check the meter again.
Any change in the reading indicates a leak.
 
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In the bathroom:
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Take shorter showers |
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Install low-flow (2.5 gals/min) shower heads |
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When shaving, fill the sink, don't run the water |
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While brushing teeth, shut off the water |
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Put a plastic bottle filled with pebbles or sand in the toilet tank to reduce flushing water |
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In the kitchen:
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Run only full loads in the dishwasher (and washing machine) |
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Wash vegetables in a bowl, not under running water |
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Install low-flow (2.2 gals/min) aerators on kitchen and bathroom faucets |
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For a cold glass of drinking water, don't run the
tap, keep a container in the refrigerator |
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Faucets & shower heads
Even small drips can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day.
Check each fixture to see if it's dripping. Most leaks are easily
fixed simply by installing a new washer. |
Toilets
Don't be fooled by slow, silent leaks. Try adding several drops of
food coloring into the toilet tank. If the water in the bowl is tinted
after 15 minutes, you have a leak. Typically a new flapper is all it takes
to fix the problem-an easy and inexpensive repair. |
