Looking for ways to save money around the house? Check your taps and appliances for water leaks that could be costing you money. No one wants to pay for something they don’t use. That’s why it is important for residents to check for water leaks in their home.
Even the small leak can cause a big water bill. A leak only half the size of a pencil eraser can cost $15 per day. If it isn't fixed within a year, that water leak can cost more than $5,000.
Toilet troubles
“An average home can waste more than 26,000 litres of water every year due to household water leaks they may not know about,” said Rob Carroll , Water Planning Engineer with the City of Winnipeg.
“Most leaks happen in the bathroom and the main culprit is usually the toilet.”
The most common cause of a toilet leak is a worn-out flapper valve. The rubber valve wears out over time and should be replaced approximately every five years.
If you aren’t sure whether your toilet is leaking or not, you can perform a simple test. Put a few drops of food colouring into your toilet tank, and wait 15 minutes. If the water in the toilet bowl has changed colour in that time, your toilet has a leak.
Other problem areas
Other common sources of leaks are dripping faucets and pipe fittings. Water on the outside of a pipe can indicate that the pipe has sprung a leak.
“One of the best ways to keep track of your water use is to read your water meter regularly,” said Carroll.
Use your water meter
Using your water meter to check for a leak is easy. Turn off any water-using appliances and taps in your home and then take a water meter reading. Don’t use any water for two hours and take another meter reading. If the meter has moved after that time, you might have a leak.
A licensed plumber can also help to locate and fix water leaks in your home.
Need a reminder?
Plan to check for leaks when you receive your quarterly utility bill. To learn more about your water consumption, receive your utility bills online, and more, visit myutility.winnipeg.ca.