Many of us take for granted that there will always be water flowing out of the faucet when we want it. We often forget that water is a precious limited natural resource and that the cost of this necessity of life is always increasing. So when you find that your water bill has been inching up every month, it is time to take a look at what could be the cause of the increase, and determine if you are wasting money and water because of water leaks in your home.
Common Plumbing Leaks That Can Add Up
When most homeowners think about a plumbing leak, they imagine a gushing pipe or water flowing from a broken faucet. And while those are prime examples of a significant plumbing leak, it is essential to remember that small plumbing leaks also begin to add up to a tremendous waste of water and your hard-earned money. Some of the most common small water leaks in a home include:
- A single leaking/dripping faucet wastes up to 20 gallons of water a day
- A single leaking/running toilet wastes up to 30 gallons of water a day
- A single broken sprinkler head wastes up to 25 gallons of water a day
How To Save 20 Gallons Of Water A Day For About A Buck
Leaking faucets are both annoying and wasteful. But sadly, most homeowners have no idea that they can fix that dripping for less than a single dollar. The cause of most faucet leaks is a worn-out washer or O-ring. And these parts can be obtained at a hardware store or local big box store for less than a dollar in most cases. A few minutes on the Internet, and you can determine the size and type of washer or O-ring that you need. And also watch a step by step tutorial video on how to complete the replacement process.
How To Save 30 Gallons Of Water A Day In Less Than An Hour
Even if your toilet only leaks once in a while, you can bet that the problem will never fix itself. And that over time, it will only get worse. But by investing about an hour of your time and less than $20, you can replace the flapper valve inside the tank and eliminate all that wasted water. A quick Google search of your toilet brand and model will provide you with the type of generic replacement parts that will fit it. You can stop by the hardware store or just click over to Amazon and have the parts delivered to your door.
However, if your toilet is more than 10 to 15 years old, you are better off replacing it with a low flow model. These new models will save you about five gallons per flush and not change the function of the flushing power at all. It’s a win for you and the environment.
The Cost Of A Lush Lawn
In your city, the cost of a lush, green lawn is reflected in your water bill. But that does not mean that you need to accept wasting water because of a few damaged or broken sprinkler heads. The average pop-up sprinkler that waters in a half-circle applies 2 gallons of water to your yard every minute that it is running. But if the seal, body, or nozzle of that sprinkler is damaged, it can be wasting as much as five gallons each minute. Not only will that cause issues with your grass, but it will also show up as a significant increase in your water bill. A new sprinkler head and nozzle can be purchased for just a few bucks and installed in just minutes. They are installed just like a lightbulb with threaded fittings. Check out an online video to see the easy replacement process.
If you discover more significant water leaks in your home and cannot handle the repairs yourself, call (512) 910-8123. Our team is here 24/7 to take your call and schedule an appointment with a Parobek Plumbing & Air Conditioning licensed pro. We offer free no-obligation price quotes for all repairs and installation projects and a complete warranty on all of our work. Don’t let a bunch of small leaks in your home add up to a significant waste of water and money. And know that making these repairs promptly also protects your home from potential water damage and the growth of toxic mold and mildew.
