Because minor water leaks account for more than one
trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling
Contractors—National Association
is promoting “Fix a Leak Week,” March 15-21, 2010. Fix a Leak Week is
sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program as
an annual reminder to Americans to check household plumbing fixtures and
irrigation systems for leaks.
“Leaks
can add up to more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted at home every year —
that’s enough to fill a backyard swimming pool,” said PHCC President
Skip Pfeffer. “As trained professionals, PHCC
is participating in Fix a Leak Week to advise homeowners on how to save money
on their utility bills and to help conserve water in our community and for
future generations.”
Prior
to and during the observance, PHCC and WaterSense are promoting ways to
identify and repair dripping faucets, running toilets and leaky showerheads. In
most cases, fixture replacement parts pay for themselves quickly. Following are
a few water-saving tips:
-
Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and, if
replacement is needed, hire a professional to install a WaterSense-labeled
model.
-
Leaky toilets are most often the result of a worn toilet flapper. Getting the
rubber flapper replaced is a quick fix that could save a home with a constantly
running toilet up to 200 gallons of water per day.
-
For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a
tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.
-
Landscape irrigation systems should be checked each spring before use to make
sure they are not damaged by frost or freezing.
If
homeowners have to replace a plumbing fixture, PHCC reminds them to hire a
professional and look for the WaterSense label. WaterSense-labeled toilets,
faucets, and (soon) showerheads have been independently tested and certified to
save water and perform as well as or better than standard models. Visit
www.epa.gov/watersense
to find a WaterSense-labeled product.
For
more information on Fix a Leak Week, visit
www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak.
