Right now, you could be spending more money on your water bill than you ever intended. You may not hear it or know it’s happening, but there could be leaks in your kitchen or bathroom pipes, or bathroom fixtures, that waste water daily. According to the US Geological Survey, one faucet that drips six times in one minute wastes twenty-nine gallons of water a month! When you consider how much water you use to bathe or wash dishes, you could be doing a lot more if this water didn’t slip away.

Self Inspection Means Prevention

For the homeowner, and even those who rent and are accountable for water bills, it’s important to ensure your pipes and faucets work to your satisfaction. Regular checks, once a month, can help you determine if there are problems with your plumbing that need to be addressed immediately. It takes only a few minutes to check under cabinets for water stains and dewy pipes. Take a weekend to shut off valves and check for leaks, too. If you feel you’re unable to make the repairs yourself, a licensed professional plumber can handle the tough jobs.

Once a month, you should also check your toilets to ensure they are running more water than necessary after flushing. A simple dye test for your tank will let you know if there is something wrong. Apply a few drops to the water in your tank, and if it shows up in the bowl, you have a leak to repair.

A bit of forethought to the care of your home can save you money in the long run if you’re able to tackle plumbing issues before they get too serious. Check your pipes regularly and repair the small leaks before they grow.

K. Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach plumbing and Virginia Beach handyman services.