According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than one trillion gallons of water is wasted each year in homes across the U. S. The majority of these leaks are due to leaking faucets, worn valves and worn toilet flappers. Repairing these leaks will save money and conserve the valuable and declining resource of water during Fix a Leak Week, March 17-23, 2014.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing’s dedicated plumbers recommend providing a brief plumbing inspection.

  • Check your water bill. A family of four should not be using more than 12,000 gallons in the winter. If your water use is higher than this you may have a leak.
  • Visually examine the exterior of the water heater and all exposed pipe for any signs of a leak such as the presence of water, corrosion or discoloration which could mean a slow leak is present. Use caution when examining the pipe leading from the pressure release valve, if a leak is present it will be hot.
  • Check the toilets. Place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank and do not flush. Watch for the presence of the coloring to enter the toilet bowl. If the color appears in the bowl a leak is very likely.
  • Record the exact reading on your water meter. Do not flush toilets, run or use any water for one hour, follow up by rechecking the meter and note any change. The use of water will indicate a leak. In the absence of any apparent leak, it is likely to indicate an underground leak and will require the immediate attention of a professional plumber.
    The most common leaks are simple to repair and inexpensive.
  • If you have leaking faucets and showerheads check to ensure washers and gaskets are tight. If faucets and showerheads are worn replace them with new water-efficient fixtures.
  • The most common causes of a running toilet are the inexpensive rubber flapper and the worn fill valve. These are the items that most often are the cause of hearing a toilet run when it hasn’t been flushed. While available at any home supply outlet, plumbers use professional grade replacements that outlast those available to the public.
  • Inspect the outdoor faucet where the garden hose attaches as this is a common location for leaks. If a leak is present cut the water off at the water meter and replaces the rubber washer. If leakage is due to a cracked faucet replace the faucet. If the faucet is a screw in version apply Teflon® tape around the base of the new faucet and screw in. Tighten gently with a wrench. Don’t overtighten to avoid damage to the faucet or pipe. For replacement of a faucet to copper pipe soldering will be required.

According to the EPA, the repair of simple leaks will save homeowners approximately 10 percent on monthly water bills. When you are in need of complete plumbing installation, repair and prompt emergency service that you can trust for your home, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Fort Worth a call for your guaranteed satisfaction.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Rosenberg for further water saving information.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® has been ranked by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the top 500 franchise companies #346 for 2014. The dedicated plumber’s at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Rosenberg values the customer’s time and ranks it as the top priority.

When you need a plumber you can count upon, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Rosenberg provides on-time plumbing services, plumbing replacement and professional repair provided correctly the first time, guaranteed. This franchise provides plumbers’ who exemplify competence, convenience, courtesy, cleanliness and character each and every time.