It’s Fix a Leak Week, and we’re inviting you to play a little game of household hide-and-seek, because sneaky leaks could be lurking right under your nose (or sink!). 

Why does this matter? Even small leaks can quietly waste hundreds of gallons of water every day. That means precious resources wasted and potentially higher water bills. 

The good news: finding and fixing leaks is often quick and easy. 

The usual suspects: Toilets and faucets 

Did you know an average toilet leak can waste roughly 250 gallons of water per day? That’s like flushing money down the drain, literally.  

Easy toilet check: 

  • Listen for running water when no one is using it.  
  • Still not sure? Drop a leak detection tablet (or a few drops of food coloring) into the tank. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak. 

Quick fixes: 

  • Replace a worn-out toilet flapper  
  • Adjust the float so water shuts off before it reaches the refill tube  

And don’t forget the faucet! A dripping faucet can waste 300 gallons or more of water per month. Those drips really add up! 

Try this: Tighten the aerator and valves. If the drip persists, replacing the valves and aerator can often solve the problem. 

Don’t stop there………. 

Leaks aren’t always obvious. Take a few more minutes to be sure you are leak free: 

  • Review your water bills for unexpected spikes in usage 
  • Turn off all water and watch your water meter—if it moves, you may have a eak  
  • New York customers: If you have a smart meter, download the?EyeOnWater?app, set up leak alerts and the app will tell you if you have a leak? 
  • Check under sinks, around water-using appliances, near your water heater, and outdoor hose connections for pooling water or rust  
  • Keep an eye out for moisture or mold on walls, ceilings, or floors – these can signal a hidden leak  

If you find a leak and can’t fix it yourself, calling a licensed plumber is a smart next step.  

Every fix makes a difference 

Fixing leaks saves water, can lower your bill, and helps protect our shared water future. Please take a few minutes to check your home, Find it. Fix it. Foster water savings! 

Would you like to learn more?   

Download the Leak Detection Check List 

Or visit the EPA's official Fix a Leak Week Page: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week   

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