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13.7% of potable drinking water is lost through leaky pipes. And 13.7% of your water bill can be wasted through leaks. You conserve water and save money by checking your home for leaks. Here is how you do it.
- Locate your water meter box.
- Turn off all water in your house.
- When you look at the meter, it shouldn't be moving. If it is moving, you have a fast leak. If it is not moving, wait ten minutes. If it has moved in ten minutes, you have a slow leak.
- If you have a leak, turn off the water to your house.
- After you've turned the water off to your house, check the meter. If your meter is still moving, there is a leak in the service line. Call the water company.
- If your service line is OK, check your home's irrigation system. Are there broken sprinkler heads or emitters? Is it unusually damp anywhere around your foundation? Check the space under your house.
- It is important to catch leaks that are inside your home. They can do severe damage to your home's structure. Leaks are most often caused by a faulty toilet flapper. They are cheap and easy to repair. Leaky compression faucets are also a problem. Other culprits may include swimming pools, fountains, washing machines, hot water heaters, ice makers and showers. Check them all for leaks.
- If you have access to your pipes, it is possible to turn the water off to different rooms. If are having trouble detecting your leak, this method may help you narrow it down before calling in professional help.
More on Water Conservation:
Set Your Green Home Priorities for Water Conservation
Pee Outside
Cheap and Easy Toilet Hacks That Will Save Water
How to Install a Low Flow Shower Head
7 Ways to Reduce Your Shampoo Use
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