Have you ever looked at your monthly water bill and thought: “Am I really using that much water?” If the numbers on your water bill seem higher than they should be, chances are there’s a leak or two in your home. When checking your home for leaks, make sure you check each of these easily accessible plumbing areas.
Toilets
The working parts within the tank that make a toilet flush can oftentimes become worn out or break. If one piece (flapper, fill valve, flush valve, float, chain, etc.) breaks or needs adjustment, water can leak and continue to run. You can usually hear if the water is constantly running, but if you can’t — use the food coloring trick to find out. Simply put a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank, wait 15 minutes, and check to see if the newly colored water is now in the bowl. If the colored water travels from the tank to the bowl, toilet repair is needed.
Faucets
Did you know a single faucet that drips once per second can waste roughly 3,000 gallons of water per year? Go into each bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room (for those with a utility sink) and inspect each faucet, the handles, and the plumbing underneath the sink. Many faucets leak because of worn-out washers and gaskets, so a quick faucet repair can save you some serious cash when it comes time to pay your monthly water bill.
Shower Heads
Water will drip from the showerhead for a few seconds after it has been used. However, if the dripping doesn’t stop soon thereafter, there is a leak that needs to be addressed. Make sure the showerhead has a tight connection by turning it until it’s secure. Pipe tape can also be applied to help secure a tight fit if there is any space between the showerhead and pipe. The washer within the showerhead (the “O” ring) should also be inspected and replaced if necessary.
Outdoor Spigots
There will be many homeowners that will check all of the plumbing within their home, but forget to check any of their outdoor plumbing. The spigots on the exterior of your home should also be checked, especially during spring to make sure no leaks were developed over the winter. Place your hand over the spigot and turn the water on. If you can easily prevent water from escaping the faucet, there is a leak within the pipe that needs to be fixed.
Checking your home for leaks throughout the year is necessary so you’re not being wasteful of perfectly good water (or your hard-earned money) and to prevent any potential water damage. Remember to check these areas of your home for leaks, and if you do find a problem, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber for help. The earlier you catch and fix a leak, the better off your wallet will be in the long run.
For those who are in need of professional plumbing repairs, replacements, and installations, contact Code Blue Plumbing. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, give us a call.