Reasons for Un-noticed Water Consumption in Home

Question:
 
Our water consumption has apparently doubled in the last year without any changes in occupancy or activity. We had a slight leak at the bathroom sink we repaired. Should I go through the expense of a plumber?
 
Answer:
 
To give you some idea’s of what might be causing the unexplained increase in water consumption, here are some facts.
 
According to the EPA, the average family of four uses 400 gallons of water a day. If a home has one or more leaky faucets, a drip rate of one drip per second will waste more than 3,000 gallons of water each year. Leaks can be found by reading the water meter before an after a two hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same both times, there is likely a leak somewhere. This problem can usually be fixed by simply replacing any worn faucet washers. On the bottom of the faucet stem, a screw holds a rubber washer in place. Unscrewing the washer and replacing it with a new washer of the same size may eliminate the leak. Washerless faucets have O-rings instead of washers that provide a seal.
 
A leaky toilet also presents a problem by wasting about 200 gallons of water every day. A toilet leak can be diagnosed by placing a drop of food coloring in the tank. If the color shows in the bowl without flushing there is a leak.
 
If the toilet was purchased before 1992, it is probably an inefficient model that uses between 3.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush. New and improved high-efficiency models use less than 1.3 gallons per flush. Upgrading to a new toilet can save a family of four roughly $1,000 over 10 years.
 
And when your in the need for a home inspection in Boise or the surrounding areas, give us a call. 208-869-5557
Submitted by DavinStrand on Mon, 03/16/2009 - 16:37.

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