Fix a Leak Week 2024

The annual Fix a Leak week challenges households across the country to check their fixtures for leaks and consider the environmental and economic impact of wasted water. 

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an estimated 10% of all homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Fixing household leaks not only saves water but reduces water utility bills by about 10%.

As part of Fix a Leak Week, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to identify and fix leaks around their homes.  The PUC and EPA offer the following tips:

• Review your water usage during a colder month, such as January or February. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, there are serious leaks.
• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
• Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. (Be sure to flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)
• Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.

In just 10 minutes, you can search your home for leaks and crack down on water waste. Many common household leaks are quick to find and easy to fix. Worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets and leaking showerheads all are easily correctable and can save on your utility bill expenses and water in your community.

10-Minute Challenge Checklist

For additional tips and resources visit the Fix A Leak Week page on the EPA website.