A leaking hose may not seem like a big deal. After all, what’s a little damp mulch or moist grass? However, over time, even the smallest leak can add up to a big waste of water.
Depending on various factors, such as the size of the leak, a leaky garden hose or irrigation system can waste up to 30,000 gallons of water per month. That’s around twice as much waste as a leaking toilet and three times as much as a dripping faucet.
Along with wasting one of the planet’s precious resources, a leaking hose can send your water bill skyrocketing by as much as $300 per month. In addition, puddling water can damage your home’s foundation and attract termites, which will end up costing even more in the end. Here are three tips for stopping drips so they don’t drain your bank account.
Prevent Leaks Before They Start
Ideally, you can prevent problems before they start. Remember to coil your hose and empty it after each use. Keep it out of the sun whenever possible. You might be able to avoid that leaking hose altogether if you have the washers in your outdoor faucet replaced every spring.
How to Find a Leak
If you are dealing with a leak, you first need to play detective and pinpoint the source of the problem. Carefully examine the entire hose: sometimes a hose will spring a leak along its body, producing an effect reminiscent of a sprinkler.
However, more often, the leak is located at the bib connecting the hose to an outdoor faucet. One reason is that many hose bibs freeze during the winter months. Look closely at the connections. Is water dripping from the handle? Is there a problem with spigot or the fitting? These clues can help you understand what you’re dealing with.
Solutions for a Leaking Hose
Before you try to inspect or repair your hose bib, always turn off the waterline. You can try to tighten the hose to bib connection with pliers, although this can result in spraying. Be careful not to worsen the leak by warping the bib — more likely than not, your outdoor faucet has an internal issue.
Outdoor faucets can be costly to replace, but it’s possible that yours can be fixed with a few nuts and bolts. You may be able to use electrical tape to minimize your tube punctures. Be wary of superficial applications, though, because concealing a leak could only exacerbate the problem.
If you’re unsure how to turn off your water supply or not sure how to fix your leak, it’s time to contact The Pink Plumber. Our expert team can inspect your faucet and hose for leaks and take care of the problem before you waste too much water. You can find us in four locations in the United States, including all of Atlanta’s metro area, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida.
