Inland Empire, CA – The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA/Agency) reminds residents to check in and around their homes for leaks in honor of Fix a Leak Week, celebrated this year on March 15 through March 21.
Household leaks can occur in various locations, including household fixtures and irrigation systems, and can contribute to nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted each year. Fix a Leak Week is an annual celebration sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Watersense® program and encourages residents to find and fix household leaks in an effort to save both money and water.
In celebration of Fix a Leak Week, IEUA will be sharing tips on finding and fixing leaks on the Agency’s Instagram, Twitter and Facebook channels, @IEUAWater. Additionally, residents within IEUA’s service area will have the opportunity to receive a free leak detection kit (one per household while supplies last) by completing a short survey, also accessible on the Agency’s social media profiles.
While Fix a Leak Week is a week-long celebration, IEUA encourages the community to find and fix leaks year-round by following these simple tips recommended by the EPA (epa.gov):
INDOOR TIPS:
- Leaky faucets can be fixed by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and replacing them if necessary.
- Leaky showerheads can be fixed by ensuring a tight connection using pipe tape and a wrench.
- Silent toilet leaks can be found by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If color appears in the bowl within 10 minutes without flushing, you have a leak.
- If your toilet is leaking, the cause is often an old, faulty toilet flapper. Over time, this inexpensive rubber part decays, or minerals build up. It’s usually best to replace the whole rubber flapper—a relatively easy do-it-yourself project.
- If the toilet handle sticks in the flush position, water runs constantly. Replace or adjust the handle to avoid running.
- Check for signs of moisture or mold on your walls, ceilings or floors.
OUTDOOR TIPS:
- An irrigation system should be checked each spring before use to make sure it was not damaged by frost or freezing.
- Check for broken sprinklers or nozzles spraying in the wrong direction.
- 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.
Visit www.ieua.org for direct links to @IEUAWater social media platforms.
The Inland Empire Utilities Agency covers 242-square miles, distributes imported water, provides industrial/municipal wastewater collection and treatment services, and other related utility services to more than 875,000 people through its member agencies which include Chino, Chino Hills, Cucamonga Valley Water District, Fontana, Fontana Water Company, Montclair, Monte Vista Water District, Ontario, and Upland. www.ieua.org