EPA to Kick Off Second Annual Fix a Leak Week
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is promoting its second annual WaterSense “Fix a Leak Week” (www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak), March 15 to 21, 2010, as a time to remind Americans to roll up their sleeves and save water.
Minor leaks from household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes — enough to supply Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami with their water needs for a year. EPA created this week-long annual event to give its WaterSense utility, community, manufacturer, retail, and professional partners a call to action to encourage saving water.
WaterSense is encouraging homeowners, do-it-yourselfers, and plumbing professionals to help find and fix leaks by promoting the following tips:
- Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and, if necessary, replace the faucet with a WaterSense labeled model.
- Replace worn rubber flappers, which can cause silent leaks in toilets.
- For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.
- Check landscape irrigation systems each spring before use to make sure they are not damaged by frost or freezing.
- Remember to look for the WaterSense label if you have to replace a bathroom fixture.
To learn more about Fix a Leak Week or to become a WaterSense partner, please visit www.epa.gov/watersense.