Nationwide, more than 1 trillion gallons of water are leaked from US homes each year. That’s why Palmer’s Plumbing is participating in Fix a Leak Week during March 16 to 20, 2009, and we encourage you to join us. Sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense® program, this week is an opportunity to improve the water efficiency of your home by checking for and fixing leaks.

How long have you been ignoring that pitter patter coming from the shower? How about the leaky spigot on the side of the house, or that running toilet? These types of leaks are easily correctable, in most cases requiring only a few tools and hardware that will easily pay for themselves in water savings. Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save you more than 10 percent on your water bills.

If you discover a significant leak that merits fixture replacement, look for the WaterSense label when considering a new toilet or faucet, and you’ll increase your home’s water efficiency. WaterSense labeled faucets, for example, use 30 percent less water without a noticeable difference in flow, and they are available in hundreds of different styles.

Here’s how to identify and address leaks around your home:
• 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.
• To determine if you have a leak, now is a great time to check water usage. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month in the winter, you probably have leaks!
• Search for toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl without flushing first, you have a leak. (Be sure to flush immediately 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.
• You should also check your garden hose for leaks at its connection to the spigot. If it leaks while you run your hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.

As a WaterSense partner concerned with preserving our nation’s water supply, Palmer’s Plumbing is offering special discounts during the month of March. So, either grab a wrench or contact Palmer’s Plumbing at 410-827-4546 and let us help you, your water bill and the environment.