Let’s delve into the problem at hand, which may be small, but a leaky faucet can be annoying. You think it’s not a big deal. It’s just a little water, right?
Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but you could be wasting hundreds of gallons per year through just one dripping faucet. Not cool in a world where we need to conserve every natural resource. Add to this the huge increase in your water bill from all that wasted water, and suddenly that single dripping faucet is not such a small problem anymore. And that soft dripping sound that you could ignore, soon becomes the background score to your frustration.
So let’s understand just how much water a dripping faucet can cost you, why this is a big deal (especially for the environmentally conscious Bay Area), and to tell you what actions you can take to save water and money.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: A Drip Adds Up
Let’s do the math. A dripping faucet that is leaking at one drip per second will waste approximately 3,000 gallons per year. Yes, we said it. One leaky faucet alone can waste thousands of gallons of water in just one year! That is enough water to run 180 showers, fill a small backyard pool, or brew approximately 48,000 cups of coffee (depending on your priorities).
Now consider if it’s not just one leaky faucet. What if there was another one or you had a running toilet. These numbers could escalate faster than the cost of a rental in the Bay Area. The average household in the Bay Area uses approximately 50-70 gallons of water per person per day. That means your little faucet leak could provide one person’s water needs for an entire month, or more.
Why you cannot ignore that leaking faucet
We live in a part of the country that has drought warnings, water restrictions, and shrinking reservoirs. Water conservation is not just a priority, it’s a necessity.
In fact, the SFPUC (San Francisco Public Utilities Commission) regularly asks residents to conserve water, especially when we have dry periods. Wasting water is as irresponsible as leaving your Tesla plugged into a diesel generator to charge. And if you don’t know how to repair a leaky faucet, that’s not an excuse. Find a professional plumber!
And remember: The more water you waste, the more energy it takes to treat, pump, and deliver that water to your home. Wasted water = wasted energy = larger carbon footprint!
The hidden costs of that drip
Sure, gallons and gallons of water add up, but so do dollars. Depending on your local water rates, a leaky faucet will cost you as little as $60 and as much as $200 or more, a year. And that’s just one faucet.
Besides, if you are a landlord, or are the manager of multiple properties, multiply that out, you may be literally flushing thousands of dollars down the drain, without even knowing it.
Find the cause behind that leak
Here are the usual suspects:
- Worn-out washers or O-rings
- Corroded valve seats
- Loose or broken parts inside the faucet
- High water pressure
Any faucet, especially older ones, wear out with time and use and need to be repaired or replaced. Even a minor issue, like a washer that is a bit misaligned, can cause that constant leak.
How to fix a leaky faucet
If you are happy with a wrench and can find your water shutoff, you may be able to sort out a simple faucet leak on your own.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Shut off the water supply under the sink
- Plug the drain so you don’t lose any parts
- Take the faucet apart (remember what goes where, by marking them)
- Check the washers, O-rings, and seals. Replace if worn or damaged
- Put it back together, turn on the water, and check for leaks
If you’re not sure what type of faucet you have (compression, ball, cartridge or ceramic disc) take a picture to your local hardware store and they can help you find the right parts.
But, if you have multiple leaks, mystery drips, or vintage plumbing, or you simply don’t know how to repair a leaky faucet it may be a better idea to call in the pros.
When to call Albion Plumbing
Our crew at Albion Plumbing has been helping residents in the Bay Area fix leak issues and upgrade plumbing systems for years. From a simple washer replacement to a full faucet install, we have the tools and experience to get it done right.
We also offer a complete leak inspection of your home, especially if your water bill has mysteriously increased. A hidden leak in your pipes might be doing a lot more than a dripping faucet. It could be causing mold, rot damage, or worse.
Remember, that little drip may not seem like a big deal today, but, over time, it is costing you water, money, and peace of mind. In an environmentally conscious and resource-challenged place as our planet, every drop counts.
So next time you hear that incessant drip, don’t let it go. Do something about it! Whether you are a DIY warrior and know how to fix a leaky faucet, or you want to call in an experienced licensed professional, Albion Plumbing is always here to help. Give us a call or send us a message. We will have that faucet under control in no time.