Did you know that a typical household leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water a year when they go undetected? To help us stop this potential waste of water, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is running their annual Fix a Leak Week from March 14 – March 20, 2022. As part of this week, the EPA will hold events across the country to help you find and fix your household leaks.

 

How Do You Find a Leak?

While some leaks suddenly spring upon you, others can be sneaky with little clues. Below are some best practices to help identify an issue before it turns into a larger problem:

  • Monitor your water bill for unusual usage increases
  • Periodically check your water meter to ensure that no water is read when all faucets are off (including washing machine and dishwasher)
  • Look for puddles near appliances and fixtures
  • Check landscaping for extra green grassy patches and persistent puddles
  • Other clues include discolored walls, bubbling wallpaper, a dripping sound, and a musty smell.

 

The Most Common Culprits?

Enter stealth mode. Leaks can happen anywhere for a variety of under-the-radar reasons. Added stress to the plumbing infrastructure and inevitable wear and tear cause pipes to crack and burst. The usual suspects include:

  • Clogged drains
  • Pipe corrosion from sediment and rust
  • Broken seals and other plumbing hardware
  • High water pressure
  • Quick fluctuations in temperature

 

Troublemaker Toilets

The most common reasons toilets leak? Old or worn down toilet flappers and loose bolts. These are parts that can be easily fixed at a low cost. To get this leak fixed, there are a couple of simple steps you can take. Consult your local hardware store, licensed plumber, or home improvement store to craft the best plan of action. 

 

Faulty Faucets

Old and run down faucets can quickly add up to large amounts of wasted water. The perpetrator? Faulty hardware. This includes:

  • Gaskets
  • Damaged cartridges
  • Broken washers
  • Malfunctioning O-rings

Faucet leaks can waste as much as 180 showers worth of water per year. Fortunately, hardware stores are usually equipped with faucet repair kits and a variety of DIY online tutorials are available for quick troubleshooting. Don’t forget to turn off the water and wait 30 minutes before you disassemble anything! 

 

Singing and Springing in the Shower

Did you know that showers can leak hundreds of gallons of water a year? Often the fix can be as simple as making sure the pipestem and shower head are securely connected. Pipetape, which can also be found at hardware stores, is easy to use and quick to stop leaks. Keep in mind that if a leak seems more complicated than just using tape, contact a licensed plumber for help. 

 

When the Grass is Greener

As spring rolls around, don’t forget to check your irrigation systems to make sure they’ve remained intact through the winter season. This includes hoses! Persistent puddles and extra lush grassy patches may be a sign of a leak from an underground pipe. If you find that you need help with a leaky outdoor faucet, shut the water off and hire an irrigation professional to check it out for you. 

 

Going with the Flow Outside of the Home

Keep an eye out for leaks beyond your home environment as well. Plumbing issues in the workplace can be dangerous, causing slip and fall accidents, mold, and electrical damage. How can you help? Contribute to a safe work environment by reporting concerns to the maintenance as soon as possible. You can spread extra awareness by asking building staff to add signs about how to report leaks. 

 

Have further questions or concerns? Feel free to reach out to us lastormwater@lacity.org.