|
ICC encourages household water
conservation during Fix-a-Leak Week
[March 18, 2025]
Springfield, IL – The Illinois Commerce
Commission (ICC) is encouraging Illinoisans to check their household
plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks as a part of
national Fix-a-Leak Week this March 17-23.
“Household leaks waste approximately 1 trillion gallons of water in
the US each year. That’s enough to fill 1.5 million Olympic swimming
pools or supply water to 11 million homes,” said ICC Chairman Doug
Scott. “With minor fixes, Illinoisans can easily conserve water and
save as much as 10 percent on their utility bills.”
EPA’s WaterSense® program has several tips to help detect and fix
leaks:
Look at your winter water bills. If your water usage exceeds 12,000
gallons/month for a family of four or less or you see spikes on your
water bill, you likely have a serious leak.
Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no
water is being used. Any changes to the meter mean you have a leak.
Place a few drops of food coloring into the tank of your toilet. If
after ten minutes the color shows up in the bowl, you have a leak.
Replace worn-out toilet flappers to stop a running toilet.
[to top of second column] |
Make sure there is a tight
connection between your showerhead and pipe stem to stop leaks.
Pipe or Teflon tape is an easy fix to control minor leaks. For
serious showerhead leaks, contact a licensed plumber.
Replace worn-out faucet washers and
gaskets to stop faucet leaks.
Always be sure to turn off the water line before starting repairs.
Unsure about how to start? EPA WaterSense® has a list tutorials to
fix minor leaks or call a licensed plumber.
For more tips read the
ICC’s water conservation guide and visit
EPA
WaterSense®.
[Text received from Cayli Baker]
 |
