Water is a precious resource and that’s especially true here in Orange County, CA where droughts are common. It’s important to take care of plumbing repairs such as leaky faucets and toilets not only because they waste so much water, but they’ll also cost you more every month because of increased water usage.
According to the EPA, household plumbing leaks account for almost one trillion gallons of water wasted each year across the US. That’s equal to the annual household water use of more than 11 million homes! From a toilet that seems to run constantly to a slow drip from your kitchen faucet, let’s look at exactly how much water leaks can cause in terms of wasted water and increases in your water bill.
Leaky Faucets and Showerheads
The average leaky faucet produces around ten drips a minute, wasting an entire gallon of water per day. More significant leaks like a faucet that leaks 120 drops per minute will waste about 11 gallons of water per day! Even small water leaks like these can add up, costing you more on your water bill every month.
It’s been estimated that a leaky faucet or a leaky showerhead can cost an extra $20 per month. That adds up to almost $360 per year. A showerhead leaks ten drips a minute and wastes up to 40 gallons of water per month.
Leaky Toilet
Toilets are another common source of leaks. There are many places where a toilet leak can occur. Pooling water at the base of the toilet can be a sign that the wax ring is leaking or that there’s a crack in the toilet tank. If your toilet seems to be running constantly, that could indicate a leak between the tank and the bowl.
A constantly running toilet is a huge water hog that can waste almost 200 gallons of water a day. That’s 6,000 gallons of water wasted every month! A slow leak from a faucet may not add up to much on your water bill, but a running toilet could cost as much as an extra $70 a month.
The Importance of Fixing Water Leaks
It’s easy to let a water leak become commonplace in your home. You get so used to seeing it that you don’t even think much about it. But you need to get leaks addressed quickly before they get out of hand.
Not to mention, if you have one water leak that you know about, it’s highly possible that there are more that you don’t know about. When our team comes out to fix a leaky faucet or running toilet, we can also assess the rest of your home and fix other small problems before they spread. It’s a great way to maintain your plumbing system and ensure that it works great for years to come.
Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air has served Orange County since 1981. Schedule plumbing repair with our technicians today.