Check for leaks around the house to save water and to reduce your monthly utility bills.
The average household's leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year. Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.
Common types of leaks found in the home are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. These types of leaks are often easy to fix, requiring only a few tools and hardware that can pay for themselves in water savings.
TOILETS -
Check for leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If color shows up in the bowl after ten minutes, you have a leak. Make sure to flush after the test. Then replace the toilet’s flush valve or flapper.
SHOWERS AND FAUCETS -
A shower head that leaks 10 drips a minute will waste 500 gallons in a year. A leaky faucet can waste 3,000 gallons or more each year. Make repairs, and install low-flow appliances.
IRRIGATION -
Lawn sprinklers can lose more than 6,000 gallons of water each month from a tiny crack. Check your grass for dark green spots with heavy growth - then look for pipeline or sprinkler head breaks.