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Find & Fix Leaks
Toilets
Old or worn–out toilet flapper (e.g., valve seal) is a common cause for a toilet leak. Flappers are inexpensive rubber parts that can build up minerals or decay over time. Replacing them can be a quick and easy fix for your water woes. To fix this leak, consult your local hardware store, home improvement retailer, or licensed plumber.
- Tip: Bring the old flapper to the hardware store for comparison to make sure you buy a new flapper that fits your toilet model. You can also check the owner's manual or the manufacturer's website for the appropriate replacement part number for the flapper.
Faucets
Old and worn faucet washers and gaskets frequently cause leaks in faucets. Many tutorials are available online for how to fix a wide variety of faucets. Here are a couple of examples:
Watch this video to learn how to fix your leak.
- Tip: Don't forget to turn off the water line before you start!
Showerheads
Some leaky showerheads can be fixed by making sure there is a tight connection between the showerhead and the pipe stem and by using pipe tape (Teflon Tape, Plumbers Tape) to secure it. Pipe tape, is available at most hardware stores, is easy to apply, and can help tame unruly leaks. For more complicated valve leaks in showers that drip when not in use, contact an experienced handyperson or licensed plumber.
- Tip: It's also a good idea to check and, if needed, replace the washer or "o" ring inside the showerhead while making this repair.
Garden Hose
Check your garden hose for leaks at its connection to the spigot. If it leaks, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.
- Tip: Make sure to fully turn off your garden hose after each use or be sure to set a timer.
- The average American household's leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year, the amount of water needed to wash 270 loads of laundry.
- Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.
- A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. That's the amount of water needed to take more than 180 showers.
- A showerhead leaking at 10 drips per minute wastes more than 500 gallons per year. That's the amount of water it takes to wash 60 loads of dishes in your dishwasher.