What's better than Shark Week?
Fix a Leak Week! ("Better" in the sense of...home energy savings.) If you're the average Hohmer Simpson, your household is losing 10,000 gallons of water each year due to dripping faucets and other water leaks—enough to fill a
swimming pool, says the
Environmental Protection Agency.
Fixing leaky faucets can lower your water bills by 10 percent, and it's not hard to do it yourself.
To fix leaky faucets, you may need to replace worn-out washers and gaskets. Your nearby hardware store will have new washers and other parts you need, as well as do-it-yourself instructions. (Another tip from the EPA: Turn off the water line before you begin!) Contact a plumber if you have questions or if the leak persists. Not sure if you have water leaks hiding around the house? Here's how to tell.
Check your water meter before leaving the house
for two hours (make sure no water is being used), and check again when you return. Is there a difference? Leaks may be the culprit.