Depending on its size, a household water leak could cost you a few dollars, or thousands of dollars every month.
Size of leak | Approximate
gallons/month | Approximate
cost/month |
Leaky faucet
1/32-inch leak | 6,100 | $18 |
Faulty flapper on toilet
1/16-inch leak | 25,000 | $141 |
Broken sprinkler line
1/8-inch leak | 98,000 | $742 |
Calculate your leaks
- Water Wiser (American Water Works Association)
- Drip Accumulator (U.S. Geological Survey)
Leaky toilet
From savingwater.org
- Remove the tank lid. (Don’t worry, this water is clean until it enters the bowl.)
- Add some food coloring or a dye tablet to turn the water a different color. Put the tank lid back on.
- After about 30 minutes, look in the bowl. If you see colored water, you have a leak. If the water is clear, water is not leaking from the tank to the bowl.
If you have a leak, there are a number of possible causes. If you remove the tank lid and can easily identify the cause, correct the problem and try your leak test again. Consider that “fixes” such as bending the float back to shape, or adjusting how the rubber flapper falls, often end up failing soon afterward. In most cases, you will simply want to replace the toilet flapper (the rubber thing at the bottom of the tank that keeps water in the tank) and/or the filling mechanism.
Leaking faucets
From savingwater.org
A leaking faucet is frequently the result of a bad rubber washer. The washer on a sink is typically located under the handle. A washer is relatively easy to replace, if you have the right tools. It does require shutting off the water under the faucet, and removing the handle. Check local home centers or the Internet (keywords “repairing leaky faucets”) for instructions on how to repair faucet leaks. If you don’t feel comfortable doing the repair yourself, a plumber may be your best option. Remember, even if you have to pay a plumber to fix the leak, you will end up saving money in the long run.
Have a High Bill, but Don’t See a Leak?
Sometimes you may have a leak and not even know it. The best indication will be a high bill compared to past use. Your Colorado Springs Utilities bill includes usage charts for water and energy for the last 12 months.
When in doubt, consider contacting a professional to check your lines. Need help finding a plumber? Our Service Referral program will provide a list of local, insured and pre-qualified contractors. Call us at 448-4800 and ask for a service referral.
