On an annual basis, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that Americans waste over one trillion gallons of water. While there are a variety of reasons for this, the EPA reports that bad sprinkler systems, leaky faucets, and malfunctioning toilets are among them. Due to leaks alone, for instance, ten percent of American homes waste 90 or more gallons of water a day.
Household Leaks and Water Waste
The EPA reports that the average household may have leaks which can potentially waste over 10,000 gallons of water every year. This is enough water to wash 270 laundry loads. Leaky faucets, even those that only drip once per second, can lead to wasting over 3,000 gallons of water a year. If shower heads drip ten times per minute, this can account for 500 gallons of water being wasted as well. This is how much water is used in order to clean 60 dishwasher loads.
In some cases, however, homeowners may not be aware that they have a leak. Consider a household of four that exceeds 12,000 gallons of water usage during cold months, such as January or February. This level of usage can indicate the presence of serious leaks.
How to Reduce Water Waste
If someone even suspects their home has a leak, it’s a good idea to have a plumber conduct a thorough inspection. Scheduling regular maintenance inspections is also recommended in order to pinpoint possible issues. When simple household leaks are fixed, the EPA states that homeowners can save approximately ten percent on their water bills. In addition to taking care of household leaks and other plumbing repairs, the EPA recommends having water-efficient fixtures and appliances installed. This can reduce water waste by 20%, which is significant.
Contact an Affordable Plumbing Service Near You
When you have leaky faucets, burst pipes, or another plumbing issue, you want to take care of this as soon as possible. Since the costs associated with drain cleaning, leak and water heater repair can be expensive, it’s important to note that affordable plumbing services are available. Furthermore, if you have a plumbing emergency, plumbers are available on a 24-hour basis. Once a plumber comes to your home, remember to discuss how you can reduce your household’s usage with water-efficient fixtures and appliances.