Why do leaks matter?
Leaking faucets and toilets waste thousands of gallons of water a year and could be easily fixed to help save our local water resources AND save you money.
Below are easy-to-follow tips to help you start saving water.
Toilets
The most common sources of leaks in the home are from leaking toilets. Sometimes a leak is obvious and you can hear the water “running”, but more often than not, leaks are silent.
All toilets should be tested for leaks on a regular basis. Even toilets that are just a few years old! The reason? Mineral deposits and worn toilet flappers. Flappers are an inexpensive, easy-to-replace rubber part that can be found at most hardware stores.
Test your toilet to see if your flapper is leaking:
- Place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank
- Wait about 5 minutes WITHOUT flushing.
- If any color shows up in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
When replacing a worn toilet flapper, be sure to get a flapper designed for your toilet make and model.
Leaking Faucets
Corrosion, mineral deposits or defective parts are usually the cause of a leaking faucet, and it can waste hundreds of gallons of water a month. Do-it-yourself fixes are not difficult and can save you from paying expensive plumbing fees. In addition to saving water, you’ll also be saving the energy it takes to heat the water.
If it’s time for a new faucet, be sure to choose a water efficient WaterSense labeled model.
Leaky Showerheads
Some leaky showerheads can be fixed by making sure there is a tight connection between the showerhead and the pipe stem and by using pipe tape to secure it. Pipe tape, also called Teflon tape, is available at most hardware stores, is easy to apply, and can help control leaks. For more complicated valve leaks in showers that drip when not in use, contact an experienced handyperson or licensed plumber.
Outdoor Faucet Leaks
Outdoor leaks often go unnoticed because they aren’t always visible. Check outdoor faucets for leaks on a regular basis during the spring and summer. The smallest leaks add up to hundreds of wasted gallons of water.
Outdoor faucet repair from the Alliance for Water Efficiency.
Additional ways to check for leaks:
IMPORTANT: Please call the Sharon Water Department at 781-784-1525 x2315 if you see any water bubbling to the surface of your sidewalk or street (especially on a dry day) as it may be the result of a leaking water pipe.