If you’re looking for a way to reduce water waste this summer, you need to find all the drips and hidden leaks. Even a single dripping faucet can waste up to 30 gallons of water each month. By locating and repairing these issues promptly, you can cut down on water waste and lower your monthly utility bills.

Find Leaks Fast

You can’t fix your water leaks if you don’t know where they are. Fortunately, you can use your water meter to find hidden leaks. Simply turn off all of your water-using appliances and faucets. This includes outdoor fixtures. Then check the meter. It should have a leak indicator. This is typically a small red triangle or gear. It will be spinning if there’s a leak somewhere.

You can also take a meter reading after turning everything off. Don’t use any water for 2 to 3 hours. Then, take a second reading. If it changes, there’s a leak somewhere.

To determine if it’s an interior or exterior leak, shut off the main house valve. If your meter is still spinning, the leak is outside. If not, your leak is inside. A professional plumber can precisely pinpoint where that leak is by using specialized tools, such as an inspection camera.

Fixing Common Exterior Summer Leaks

Outdoor water usage increases during the summer months. Exterior leaks will be your biggest contributors to water waste. Check your irrigation system for issues. While the sprinklers are on, walk around your property. Keep an eye out for cracked pipes, clogged nozzles, and broken heads.

Summer heat can dry out the rubber washers in your outdoor spigot. This leads to drips. You can tighten the packing nut with a wrench or have the worn washer replaced to fix the problem.

Investing in a quality pool cover will reduce water waste due to evaporation. You also need to check the pool for leaks.

Prompt Interior Repairs

Toilet leaks will silently waste water. Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet’s tank. Wait 15 minutes. If you can see the color in the bowl without flushing, your flapper is leaking. A plumber can quickly fix this by replacing it.

Dripping faucets are usually due to a worn-out washer or O-ring. A plumber can replace these components quickly.

Routinely check your shower head. Make sure the connection between the pipe and the showerhead is tight. Applying plumbers’ tape stops many common drips in this area.

Continue to watch for these common leaks around your home this summer. Quickly addressing any issues you spot will greatly reduce your water waste.

If you need trusted leak detection services in Rochester, NY, reach out to Nichols Electric and Plumbing today.