Did you know that simple household leaks waste nearly a trillion gallons of water each year? Water waste, while significant in itself, often leads to water damage, with the average cost of a homeowner’s water damage insurance claim exceeding $11,000. In addition to the daunting financial loss, homeowners often lose precious family photos and mementos that insurance policies cannot cover.
This is a significant challenge that all home and building owners should be aware of. That’s why the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sponsors Fix Your Leak Week, which this year will be held March 20-26. The event is designed to raise awareness of the importance of fixing household leaks, which not only cause significant water waste and damage, but also increase utility bills.
“Fix a Leak Week is not only about conserving water, it’s about preventing potential water damage,” says the technical support specialist. “Leaks can cause expensive damage to homes and personal property, and can also lead to harmful mold growth. By detecting and fixing leaks, we can protect our property and our health, while saving water and money.”
Common Leaks and How to Fix Them.
According to the EPA, the average home wastes nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year due to leaks, with 10% of homes wasting 90 gallons or more per day. The key to preventing water waste and damage in your home is to regularly check for common leak areas. Here are some things to look out for:
Faucets – A leaky faucet that drips once a second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year – the equivalent of about 180 showers! Always check faucet washers and gaskets for signs of wear and tear, as they can cause leaks. Replacing these washers and gaskets is quick, easy, and affordable.
Showerheads - Leaking showerheads are often hard to detect, but they can cause a lot of water waste and damage, including mold growth. Make sure the connection between the showerhead and the stem is tight, and use caulk or Teflon tape if necessary to effectively control leaks.
Toilets - Toilets can leak in many ways, including the base, tank or seat, and valve seals. Simple leaks can be fixed with a rubber seal. For more serious leaks, contact a licensed plumber.
Outdoor Leaks - From outdoor faucets and hoses to irrigation systems, outdoor leaks can cause serious damage to your home, property, and utility bills. For leaky faucets and pipes, try using patch clips or epoxy putty on the damaged area. If the leak is severe, the part may need to be replaced.
Fix a Leak Week is a reminder to take action to conserve water and protect your home or building from flooding, but you should keep these tips in mind all year round. For more information about Fix a Leak Week, visit the EPA webpage. If you're looking for more ways to protect your home from flooding, contact us today!
