Why do leaks matter?
Leaking faucets and toilets waste thousands of gallons of water—taking a few simple steps to fix them can conserve water, protect wildlife habitats, support firefighting, and save you money, all while helping the community.
Step 1: Sign up for the FREE EyeOnWater App
EyeOnWater is an online customer portal and phone application offered by the Town of Sharon Water Department, which allows residents to connect to their water utility accounts to see how much water they are using.
This tool shows daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly usage activity through consumption graphs to help monitor and conserve water use. Customers can also sign up for leak alerts.
If you already have an account, go to eyeonwater.com/signin to sign in.
To sign up for EyeOnWater:
- Go to eyeonwater.com/signup
- Enter your zip code and account number – customer number
- Enter your name and email address
- Create and confirm a password
- Check your email for a verification message
- Click on the link in your email to verify your email address
- Enter your email address and password to sign in
- Once you are logged in you can view your water consumption and even set a leak alert
The EyeOnWater phone app is also available for Android and IOS devices in the App Store.
Once customers sign up for EyeOnWater they also receive alerts from the Water Division through the mobile phone app and email.
For more information contact the Town of Sharon Water Department at (781) 784-1525 ext.2315.
Step 2: Check and Repair Toilet and Faucet Leaks
Many leaks can be fixed with simple DIY solutions, but if you’re unsure, it’s best to call a professional.
If you’re ready to give it a try, we’ve put together easy-to-follow videos to help you fix leaks and start saving water!
Toilet Leaks: a Common Problem
One of the primary sources of household leaks comes from toilets. While some leaks are easy to detect because you can hear the water running, most leaks go unnoticed because they are silent.
It’s important to regularly test all toilets for leaks, even newer ones. The main culprits are mineral buildup and worn-out flappers. Flappers are affordable, simple to replace, and 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.