Water & Sewer

FIX A LEAK INFORMATION

There are many ways to identify and repair dripping faucets, running toilets, and leaky showerheads. In most cases, fixture replacement parts pay for themselves quickly.

In order to determine if a home has a water leak, customers should check the water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter number has changed after the two-hour period of non-use, a leak may be present. If a leak is present, a few simple steps may help customers save money:

• Leaky toilets are most often the result of a worn toilet flapper. Replacing the rubber flapper is a quick fix that could save a home with a constantly running toilet up to 200 gallons of water per day.
• Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and, if necessary, replace the faucet with a WaterSense labeled model.
• For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.
• Landscape  irrigation systems should be checked each spring before use to make sure they are not damaged by frost or freezing.

If homeowners have to replace a plumbing fixture, it may be prudent to first check for a WaterSense label. WaterSense labeled toilets, faucets, and showerheads have been independently tested and certified to save water and perform as well as or better than standard models.

WaterSense also partners with certified landscape irrigation auditors, designers, installers, and maintenance professionals.

For more information visit: www.epa.gov/watersense