Because minor water leaks account for more than one trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has declared March 15-21 the WaterSense program’s “Fix a Leak Week” to remind Americans to check household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks.
“Leaks can account for 11,000 gallons of water wasted in the home every year, or enough to fill a backyard swimming pool,” said Kim Dalton, external affairs manager. Fixing easily corrected leaks is not only a smart way to save water for the future, it can save on the customer’s water and electric bills.”
To help consumers across the country save water, WaterSense is promoting ways to identify and repair dripping faucets, running toilets, and leaky shower heads. In most cases, fixture replacement parts can be installed by do-it-yourselfers, and they pay for themselves in no time.
Following are a few water-saving tips:
Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and, if necessary, replace the faucet with a WaterSense labeled model.
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 up to 200 gallons of water per day.
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, EPA reminds them to look for the WaterSense label. WaterSense labeled toilets and faucets 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 with water-efficiency knowledge; see www.epa.gov/watersense to find a WaterSense irrigation partner in your area. For more information on Fix a Leak Week, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak.