Indifference

I recently had an appointment with one of my medical specialists. While sitting in the waiting room I heard running water in the rest room. Being the penny-pincher that I am, I investigated. The flap in the toilet tank was in place, so that was not the problem. Instead, the flap was defective and was perpetually leaking. I mentioned it to the doctor's receptionist, telling her that a leak like that could cost the doc hundreds of dollars a year. Her response was, "Believe me, he would never miss it." WOW. I wanted to go buy a kit and fix it myself. I didn't. Six months later I had another date with this doc, and the leak was just as severe.

If this is your response to leaks, then this section definitely is not for you. Money is saved a drop-at-a-time, so here goes.

Have a family meeting on the subject. No yelling. Not threats. Just a discussion. Paint a picture of all the things we can afford to do if we don't send the money to the water company.

Fix The Leaks

Leaks are persistent. They don't sign in in the morning, and do not sign out at night. A repair can be simple and inexpensive. Ignoring it can rack up the dollars. Oh, and remember, the sewer authority charges for their services based on your water use too.

How significant can a leak be? A single dripping hot water faucet can waste 212 gallons of water a month! That not only increases water bills, but also increases the gas or electric bill for heating the water. That would be like heating a 40-gallon tank, all the way from cold to hot----5 TIMES !!!! Every month!!!! That's 2,544 gallons per year, or heating 60 full tanks of water from cold to hot. Just from that drip. 

How do I fix a dripping faucet? First you will want to purchase an assorted pack of washers that will be available at your home or hardware store. A packet of washers may look like the one below, and a sample assortment of an open pack is next to it.

Don't grab the wrench yet. Watch this video, and read the text below it. Then return to this page.

As you see, there are many types of faucets, each requiring a slightly different tool, and a different washer. If still in doubt as to how to approach the matter, ask your helpful hardware guy for advice, or search for more information on line. Our site is not intended to be a detailed how-to-do-it site, but to show you how you will save $$$.

But my leak is in the middle of a pipe. You may also be able to do this repair, without replacing sections of pipe. Here are some tips on that repair. You may be able to do a permanent repair this way, or a temporary one on a Sunday afternoon when your plumber wants "double time." The photo to the right shows a flat piece of rubber wrapped around the spot of the leak, with a metal clamp tightened over it. This works well with a drain type pipe, and should work temporarily on supply plumbing. The suggested link shows additional types of repairs.

But it's my sink drain. Metal "goosenecks" under sinks have a nasty habit of corroding and then leaking. It isn't wasting water, but it can sure cost you money if it results in additional damage to floors and ceilings below. So, here is a link to this type of repair.

Are you in over your head? There comes a time to admit that a leaky situation is more than you can handle. Know thyself. Do you plunge in and make things worse? Ask your spouse. They will know you and your abilities. You may need to do what you can, and call a plumber. Ask a neighbor or friend for a reliable reference. Or ask the hardware store owner. Or even ask a Realtor. Believe me, they know who can handle it at a reasonable price. Find all of your leaks and other little plumbing needs, and get them all done at one time. Saves the trip charge over and over.

         YOU MAY NEED TO CALL THE PLUMBER