With summer on the way, you know what that means: higher water bills. While there are multiple ways to reduce your water usage, like adjusting your sprinklers’ water schedule and taking shorter showers, you might be surprised to find out how much water waste comes from household plumbing leaks.

Where Do Leaks Typically Occur?

Plumbing leaks can occur in locations that are easy to spot but also in places that can go unnoticed for months—until damage starts occurring.

Some of the most common places you’ll find leaks are:

Dripping faucets and showerheads
Toilets with worn-out flappers
Underneath sinks
Outdoor hose bibs
Water heaters
Sewer lines
Water supply pipes in a home foundation

If you don’t see water dripping but notice warning signs like an unreasonably high water bill or mold growth, your home most likely has a hidden leak.

How Much Water Do Leaks Waste?

While “small leaks” like dripping faucets may seem insignificant, these leak sources can waste a lot of water and money over the course of a year. According to the EPA:

One faucet leaking one drip per second can waste 3,000 gallons a year or more. With that much water, you could take more than 180 showers.
One showerhead leaking 10 drips per minute can waste 500 gallons a year or more. With that much water, you could run 60 loads through your dishwasher.

This water waste not only affects your water bill but your community and the environment.

How Common Are Household Plumbing Leaks?

Plumbing leaks don’t just waste water and money: they’re also a lot more common than you might expect. In fact, if you were to walk through your home or around your property right now, you’d probably find at least one leaking tap or a toilet that keeps running on its own due to a worn-out flapper.

Just how common are household plumbing leaks? EPA research has shown that:

In just one week, the average U.S. family can waste 180 gallons from household leaks. This can add up to 9,400 gallons in 1 year—enough water to run over 300 loads of laundry.
Leaks in the average U.S. household can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of wasted water yearly.

Bottom Line

If you spot a leak in your home or notice an unexplained increase in your water bill, it’s going to pay in the long run to get the source of the leak identified and repaired.

Along with top-quality plumbing repairs, at Albright's Mechanical Services we offer professional leak detection services for problems that may be lurking behind walls or beneath your home’s foundation. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for assistance: (410) 834-0148.