Don’t let leaks go undetected.
Half of all households experience some sort of water leak each year. Even small leaks can add up to big bills. That leaky toilet can use up to 1,000 gallons of water every day.
Surprising facts about leaks:
- One in 10 homes has a leak that wastes more than 90 gallons per day.
- A leaking faucet can waste up to 19 gallons a day – or 7,000 gallons a year. Just one drop per second for a year adds up to 180 showers.
- For Louisville Water customers, the average excess charges on a bill from leaks is $500.
Small Leaks Add Up!
A leak the width of a pencil can waste up to 222,000 gallons of water in a month, leaving you with a water bill of over $2,100. That’s water you didn’t even use.
What causes leaks in plumbing?
Toilets, faucets, showerheads, irrigation systems and more. Watch this video and learn how to search for common leaks.
Start with toilets. Here’s an easy test.
- Remove the tank lid and put ten drops of food coloring in the back. (Green or blue food coloring works best)
- Replace the lid and don’t flush.
- Check the next morning; if you see food coloring in the bowl, you have a leak.
Next, check faucets, showers and more:
- Check behind or below your washing machine or dishwasher
- Check for and replace worn gaskets & washers
- Check sprinkler systems for damaged heads/leaks and check your yard for wet spots
Just because you can’t see a leak doesn’t mean it’s not there.
To check for hidden leaks, look for signs of water damage on floors, ceilings and at the back of cabinets and crawl spaces.
Know your numbers.
It’s important to know your typical water usage. How many gallons of water does your household use? That’s helpful when you see an unexpected increase from one billing cycle to the next.
Find your shut-off valve.
If you do have a leak, it’s important that you know how to shut off the water. Learn how to locate, tag and test your shut-off valve.