Hidden leaks are responsible for a significant amount of water waste each year based on recent reports
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Preparations are in full swing for the Environmental Protection Agency’s upcoming Fix a Leak Week according to information recently released by the national organization tasked with promoting public health and the well-being of the planet. This annual event is marked across the country by public activities geared toward promoting conservation and raising awareness of water waste and its potential remedies.
Water Loss by the Numbers
Based on the latest statistics from the EPA, the average family inadvertently wastes as much as 9,400 gallons of water each year due to household leaks with the nationwide annual total amounting to almost 900 billion gallons. Recent reports go on to point out this figure equates to the amount of water used by 11 million households in a year’s time. To put matters into perspective, a typical family of three uses approximately 116,000 gallons of water per year for showers, washing dishes, doing laundry and other household purposes.
Resolving the Issue at Home
Industry experts note a number of household leaks can be found without calling in a professional plumbing company. Two common example would be dripping faucets and ghost flushes from toilets. Unexplained puddles under sinks and water heaters are also warning signs of leaks. Excessive moisture around exposed pipes and fittings and weak areas in floors are indications of leaks as well.
Authorities also advise ceasing water use for two hours and checking the water meter before and after this period. Changes in meter readings despite no water being used would be a clear omen.
Seeking Professional Intervention
While some leaks are simple to detect without specialized knowledge and equipment, industry-wide reports show a significant number occur underground or in areas where they may go unnoticed. Hidden leaks are responsible for a great deal of unnecessary water consumption in their own right. Professionals employ video leak detection technology to more efficiently find such issues.
With these methods, waterproof cameras on flexible extenders are sent through pipes. Throughout the process, plumbing technicians monitor live video feeds transmitted by the cameras. Video leak detection is faster and less destructive than previously used alternatives and allows plumbers to more effectively address the cause of the problem rather than only the leak itself.
Proactive Measures
Experts in the plumbing industry recommend having video pipe inspections performed on a regular basis whether a leak is suspected or not. Doing so could be the key to detecting pipe damage before it becomes a problem. Those whose plumbing systems are more than 10 years old are advised to have twice-annual inspections whereas annual sessions are suggested for newer systems.
In Short
An average household loses approximately as much water as an individual uses over the course of a year by the latest accounts. In many cases, leaks go undetected because they are not obvious to the untrained eye. Though some can be found and fixed via DIY methods, many require a certain level of training and additional resources.
Fix a Leak Week is set for March 16 through 22, 2020. Activities for the coming year’s celebration are currently in the planning stages with contests, prizes, leak detection kit giveaways, educational sessions, DIY repair workshops and other events expected to be scheduled. Further information regarding specific times, dates and locations will be released by the EPA during the months to come.
Contact Info:
Name: DeTorres Group
Email: Send Email
Organization: DeTorres Group
Website: https://spieplumbing.com/
Source URL: https://marketersmedia.com/epas-upcoming-fix-a-leak-week-sparks-nationwide-water-loss-awareness/88913080
Source: MarketersMEDIA
Release ID: 88913080
