• Slow Drip (10 drips per minute): This seemingly minor leak can waste around 3 to 5 gallons of water per day, accumulating to 90 to 150 gallons per month.
• Fast Drip (60 drips per minute or a steady stream): This can escalate quickly, wasting over 20 gallons per day, leading to hundreds of gallons per month.
• Cost Impact: A fast-dripping faucet can add roughly $20 per month to your water and sewer bill. While the material cost for a DIY fix might be only a few dollars, professional repair could range from $100 to $400*.
The Hidden Costs of Leaks
Common Household Leaks and Their Potential Costs:
Here’s a breakdown of how much various leaks
around your house could be costing you:
Common Household Leaks and Their Potential Costs:
Here’s a breakdown of how much various leaks around your house could be costing you:
Dripping Faucet of Leaky Showerhead:
Running Toilet
• Impact: A running toilet can waste as much as 12-15,000 gallons of water per month.
• Cost Impact: A running toilet can add over $300 a month to your water and sewer bill. Repair costs for these parts are relatively inexpensive (often under $50 if you DIY), but professional repairs could range from $200 to $400*.
Leaky Outdoor Spigot:
• Impact: A constantly dripping outdoor spigot can contribute to significant water waste.
• Cost Impact: The primary cost here is the wasted water itself. Repairing or replacing an outdoor spigot often involves a professional, with costs ranging from $150 to $450 on average* for parts and labor.
Hidden Pipe Leaks:
• Severity: These are often the most costly and damaging, as they can go unnoticed for extended periods. A small crack the size of a pencil tip in a pipe can waste approximately 970 gallons in 24 hours, even at low water pressure.
• Cost Impact: Hidden pipe leaks can cost a household anywhere from $100 to $600 per month in wasted water, and that’s before considering the significant repair costs and potential damage to your home (mold, structural issues, etc.). Repairing a burst pipe can range from $500 to $1,500 or more*, especially if it’s in a hard-to-access area, as it may involve demolition and restoration work.
Key Takeaways for Saving Money
By understanding the potential costs of various leaks, you can take proactive steps to conserve water and protect your wallet. Don’t wait!
• Consider DIY for Simple Fixes: Replacing washers, O-rings, and flapper valves are often manageable DIY projects with inexpensive parts.
• Know When to Call a Pro: For more complex leaks, hidden pipe issues, or if you’re uncomfortable with plumbing, hiring a licensed plumber can save you money and headaches in the long run.
• Be Vigilant: Regularly check for visible leaks and pay attention to unusually high water bills.
• Put food coloring in your toilet tank; if it appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
• Address leaks promptly: Even a small drip can become a big problem over time, both in terms of water waste and potential damage.
GO GREEN! by switching to electronic billing.
Save $1.25 on every bill
Visit your online account to switch your preferences.
