Dripping Faucets or Leaky Toilets Cost You

The EPA reports that 10 percent of households have dripping faucets or leaky fixtures. On average, these leaky fixtures can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted each year for a household. This is the amount of water needed to wash 270 loads of laundry! 

When shower heads or faucets leak, even just one drip per second, you are wasting 3,000 gallons of water per year. Leaky faucets can be fixed by checking washers and gaskets for wear. Leaky shower heads can be fixed by using pipe tape and ensuring a tight connection. If faucets or shower heads need replaced, consider replacing them with ones that have earned the EPA Water Sense Label.

LEAKING FIXTURES

Just like leaky faucets, a leaky toilet can account for thousands of gallons of water wasted every year. If you think your toilet may be leaking, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank before bed. The next morning, if the bowl is covered, you have a leak.

If you find your toilet is leaking, the cause is often an old faulty toilet flapper.  As this rubber flapper ages, it can become brittle, crack or warp, preventing it from providing a full seal with the flush valve and allowing the water to leak into the valve.  Also, debris or sediment from water can build up in the bottom of the tank preventing the flapper from sealing properly. It is recommended that you replace the whole rubber flapper.  This can be a do-it-yourself project that can pay for itself in no time. If you still have an older toilet, it may be time to replace it with a new toilet which can save you up to 13,000 gallons of water in one year. If this is not something you want to tackle yourself, a plumber can take care of it very easily.

If your showerhead appears to be leaking every time you take a shower, it may be time to purchase some Teflon tape. Teflon tape is better known as pipe tape which you can get from your local hardware store.  Showerheads will often leak due to a loose connection between it and the pipe stem.  Applying pipe tape to the connection between the pipe stem and the showerhead will help prevent leaking.  If the showerhead is still leaking even when not in use, we would recommend you contact your plumber.

If your home’s wastewater is treated by a septic system, leaky faucets and toilets are putting an unnecessary strain on it. Take the time to check and fix all leaky fixtures.

Is it time for a septic tank cleaning?

If you have not had your septic system checked or pumped within the last three years, especially if you have been experiencing long term leakage, give Tim Frank Septic a call at 440-636-5111. An investment in proper maintenance is still the best way to save!