At face value, a leaky faucet or running toilet may only seem like an annoyance. Only if your home is extremely quiet will you hear the constant dripping or running, which could infuriate you. In most households, with everything powered on, you are never really affected by the sound, which helps you ignore it. However, there are real costs associated with allowing these problems to continue indefinitely.
What kind of costs are we referring to? Read on to learn more about the hidden expenses associated with plumbing drips and leaks, as well as the benefits of getting damaged plumbing professionally repaired.
The Cost of a Leaky Faucet
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average household leak can lead to a household wasting about 10,000 gallons of water per year. To put that number into perspective, it takes about 10,000 gallons of water to wash 270 loads of clothes. Although your leaky faucet may seem like a minor problem, it’s a significant problem that is costing you a lot of money year after year.
The Cost of a Running Toilet
Essentially, a toilet that sounds as if it is constantly running or being flushed has a problem with the flapper. With the water constantly running, The severity of your leak is a factor when determining how much a leaky toilet will cost you. It’s possible for your leaky toilet to make your water bill skyrocket, making you responsible for a bill that is hundreds more than you anticipated.
Water Main Leaks
Unfortunately, most homeowners have no idea they have a water supply line leak until they take a look at their water bills over a span of several months. Because water supply lines are buried beneath the ground, leaks in these lines aren’t easily detectable. The most common way people learn of them is a prolonged increase in their water expenses.
Another way to detect this type of leak is to take a look at your water meter after shutting off all the water to your home. If you can see the meter spinning even while the water is off, you likely have a water main leak that needs to be repaired.
How much can a water main leak cost you? That’s tough to say since costs ultimately depend on the size of the leak and the length of time it exists. Here’s a rough estimate of the amount of water you’ll waste when there’s a leak in various sizes of pipes in or near your home:
● ½-inch pipe: 50 gallons per minute
● ¾-inch pipe: 110 gallons per minute
● 1-inch pipe: 210 gallons per minute
● 2-inch pipe: 850 gallons per minute
● 3-inch pipe: 1,900 gallons per minute
● 4-inch pipe: 3,400 gallons per minute
Clearly, if you fail to detect a leak — which can be tough to do without looking at your water bills — your household can easily waste (and pay for) tens of thousands of gallons of water per day.
Not sure where your water main even is? That’s something you should definitely know. Check out 8 Things Your Plumber Wants You to Know for more helpful tips on caring for your plumbing system.
Slab Leaks
In addition to common leaks like a leaky faucet or toilet, you could experience hidden leaks. These leaks are not so obvious because they may be under your home. However, even a minor leak under your home can be a real problem. If allowed to continue for years, a leak under your slab could negatively impact your home’s foundation. Additionally, a leak can attract critters, from common insects to snakes.
Need Plumbing Repairs Near Wisconsin Rapids?
Think your house might have a few plumbing leaks? Don’t wait to contact our team at Steve’s Plumbing and Heating for help! Over the years, we’ve seen a lot of households ignore a leaky faucet or toilet, to the point that their utilities got out of hand. Our team of experts can help you remedy the problem by offering real solutions that stop your leak instantly. There is no job too big or small. We serve Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield, Stevens Point, Wausau, and the surrounding areas and offer 24/7 emergency service for urgent plumbing repair needs.
To get a service estimate or learn more about how we can help, give us a call today at 715-421-1800 or request an estimate online, and we’ll get in touch with more information.