Glendale Plumber | Fix a Leak

Ben Franklin Plumbing Van
Ben Franklin Plumbing Van
Licensed • Insured

Fix a Leak Week

The EPA estimates more than one trillion gallons of water is wasted each year in U.S. homes. You can save money and help the environment by fixing those leaks during Fix a Leak Week, which runs March 17-23, 2014.

Conduct a quick leak checkup.

  • On your water bill: A typical family of four should use no more than 12,000 gallons of water in the winter. If you use more, you could have a leak.
  • Check your water heater and all exposed piping for corrosion or discoloration usually indicating a slow leak.
  • Your toilets: Add a drop of food coloring in your toilet tank. If the color appears in your toilet bowl without flushing, you could also have a leak.
  • On your water meter: Note the exact reading of the dial. Don’t run any water or flush your toilets for an hour, then recheck your meter.   If it moved you likely have an underground leak (which requires immediate professional attention).

Most common leaks are inexpensive and easy to fix.fix a leak

  • For leaky faucets and showerheads: make sure your washers and gaskets are tight. If they are worn, replace them with newer water efficient options.
  • The most common cause of a leaking toilet is the inexpensive, rubber flapper. Check for wear and replace if needed.
  • Outside: inspect your irrigation system and your garden hose. The spigot where the hose is attached to your home is a common leak spot. Tighten or replace the rubber hose washer then use Teflon® tape on the leaking area and gently tighten with a wrench. Just be sure not to over tighten as doing so can cause leaks or damage your plumbing.

The EPA says fixing easily corrected leaks can save you about 10 percent of your water bill.

If you need assistance with fixing your leaks or would like a total plumbing check-up, contact Ben Franklin Plumbing AZ today.