Even a small leak can waste hundreds or thousands of gallons of water per day.
Did you know that leaks in the average home can waste almost 10,000 gallons of water a year? That’s enough water to wash 300 loads of laundry or run your dishwasher more than 2,000 times.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), around 9% of homes have leaks that waste 50 or more gallons of water each day. That’s why the EPA sponsors its annual Fix a Leak Week. The 2026 observance is March 16-22.
During Fix a Leak Week, Central Alabama Water encourages its customers to spend a few minutes checking their home for plumbing leaks and to make simple repairs. Fixing a small leak now can prevent bigger issues down the road. This webpage offers information about leak prevention and detection.
Indoor leaks
Some of the most common indoor water leaks are dripping faucets and leaking toilets.
- An old or worn-out toilet flapper can leak hundreds of gallons per day. The EPA recommends replacing them every five years.
- Take your old flapper or a picture of it to the store to make sure the new flapper fits your toilet model.
- Old or worn gaskets and washers in a faucet can cause leaks too. Just one drip per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons a year.
- Faucet repair kits are sold at hardware stores and home centers. Several retailers and home improvement experts have instructional videos to teach you how to repair your faucet.
Outdoor leaks
With rising temperatures across central Alabama, it’s also a good time to check outdoors for water leaks.
- If your garden hose leaks at its connection to the spigot, replace the hose washer and tighten the connection to the spigot.
- Homeowners with in-ground irrigation systems should make sure it wasn’t damaged by freezing or frost during the winter.
Call a pro
If you’re not sure how to fix a leak around your house, call a licensed plumber. The Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board offers a database of licensed individual plumbers and plumbing businesses.
Calculating water leaks
Even a small leak can waste hundreds or thousands of gallons of water per day. The American Water Works Association’s Drip Calculator will show you how drips add up to wasting gallons of water.
Remember – fixing leaks isn’t just about water conservation. It also helps protect your home and saves money on your water bill. So, take a few minutes to check your home for leaks today. You could save thousands of gallons of water throughout the year!
