‘Minor’ water leaks account for more than one trillion gallons of water wasted annually in the U.S., according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). And high water bills — often caused by water leaks — are the number one customer complaint at Hartselle Utilities.
EPA has designated the third week in March as Fix a Leak Week. “We encourage our customers to check their homes for water leaks,” say Hartselle Utilities General Manager Bob Sittason, “and the EPA’s Fix a Leak Week is a good reminder to do that.”
Common types of leaks include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and leaking showerheads. All are easily corrected.
Positive that your home does not have a water leak? Sittason offers this tip: check your water meter before and after a two-hour period, when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak. Any water usage in your home, intentional or not, will register on your water meter. Major leaks, such as those outside your home, can be very costly.