Fix A Leak Week 2024
Fix a Leak Week is a special occasion for us to acknowledge the fact that 1 TRILLION gallons of water are wasted annually nationwide because of household leaks. We celebrate this week by tightening loose faucets and pipes, checking the toilet for leaks, checking your outdoor spigot for leaks, and inspecting your irrigation system for broken lines and sprinkler heads. But really, it’s best to keep water conservation top-of-mind throughout the year. Remember Leaks Can Run, But They Can’t Hide!
During March 18-24, 2024 The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) will give away free toilet flappers during “Fix a Leak Week, 2024”
DWM encourages you to change your rubber flapper annually. A defective toilet flapper is a silent leak that can cause your water bill to skyrocket!
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024
10 AM – 11AM DWM Headquarters Lobby: 72 Marietta Street, Atlanta, GA 30303
NOON – 1PM City Hall Atrium: 68 Mitchell Street, Atlanta, GA 30303
METER MADNESS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2024
3 PM – 4 PM 651 14th Street, Atlanta, GA 30303
During “Fix a Leak Week,” we want to show our customers efficient ways to use water and keep their water bills minimal. The bathroom toilet is one primary place where most leaks occur. Did you know that one of the significant culprits of household leaks or high-water bills is faulty toilet flappers? A defective toilet flapper can cause your water bill to skyrocket, and you will never know that your water bill is increasing because it is usually a silent leak. A faulty flappers will cause water to leak both day and night continuously. That is why this year for Fix a Leak Week, 2024, we are encouraging households to take advantage of this initiative by securing their free flappers at one of our giveaway locations will supplies last.
Additional Tips
Of course, you can also find leaks beyond the toilet, by becoming a “leak detective.”
Here are some quick leak finding tips:
• Review your water usage. Look back at your January or February bill. An average family of four should not exceed 12,000 gallons per month. Otherwise, you may have substantial leaks.
• Check your meter. Refrain from using water in your home for two hours. If the meter position changes, you likely have a leak. Test your toilets. Place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the water in the bowl is the same color after 10 minutes, then there’s a leak. Also flush after testing so you don’t stain the tank.
• Where there is a facet look for drips. Whether it is in the kitchen or even outdoors by the spigots, listen for drips. Don’t forget the showerheads too.
• Look for pooling of water. Look for water pooling under appliances, like dishwashers, washing machines and water heaters. If you see this there may be a broken water supply line.
• Join us via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or at www. AtlWatershed.org for videos of how you can find and fix leaks, #FlapperMania
Fix a Leak Week PSA
Watch our video!
Fix a Leak Week PSA
Watch this video!
Here is a checklist to assist you in keeping track of your search for leaks: Detect and Chase Down Leaks at Home Checklist (About PDF) | En Español About PDF
See how our Corporate Partners are Chasing Down Leaks.
Five most common places for household leaks!
Toilet Leaks – Oh no! There goes the toilet making that weird noise again! Grandmother says, shake the handle. I am shaking the handle, but the noise stops for a few minutes, and starts up again. This noise is annoying! Oh my, it sounds like you may have a Toilet Flapper or Valve leak. What! A Toilet Leak, toilet leaks are the most common type of leak found inside the home. Sometimes, this type of leak can be silent, it may go unnoticed for days, months or even years. Did you know that a leaking toilet can waste over 6,000 gallons of water per month? Wow! That can equal to as much as 72, 000 gallons of water per year! Understanding the basic mechanics of your toilet can save you thousands of gallons of water per year. Check out this DIY and let that leak know, You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide!
- Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. (Be sure to flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.) dye test video on how to detect a toilet leak
- Flapper Power – Replace Your Leaky Toilet Flapper
- Bathroom and Kitchen Faucets – Oh no! I have turned my faucet off, but it will not listen! Why is the water still dripping and dropping? Leaky or dripping faucets are common plumbing issues. Did you know that an American home can waste, on average, more than 10,000 gallons of water every year due to running toilets, dripping faucets and other household leaks? That’s close to how much some households use in two months! So, kick your DIY home improvement skills into high gear and fix those leaks around your home. DIY – Faucet Repair:
Shower leaks – Oh no! There goes that showerhead leaking again! Did you know that showerheads leak at 10 drips per minute, which wastes more than 500 gallons of water per year? That’s the amount of water it takes to wash 60 loads of dishes in your dishwasher. Some leaky showerheads can be fixed by making sure there is a tight connection between the showerhead and the pipe stem and by using pipe tape to secure it. Pipe tape, also called Teflon tape, wraps around the pipe easily, and can help control leaks. Let’s Fix this Leak with this DIY video. DIY Showerhead Leaks Replacement or Repair:
Irrigation leaks – Oh no! Why is the lawn so wet? If you have an in-ground irrigation system, check it each spring before use to make sure it wasn’t damaged by frost or freezing. An irrigation system that has a leak 1/32nd of an inch in diameter (about the thickness of a dime) can waste about 6,300 gallons of water per month. If you need help, hire an irrigation professional to inspect it for you. But in the meantime, here is a DIY Video:
Toilet Rebate Program
Living in an older home with toilets that are outdated and water wasteful? The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management may be able to help. Learn about the Toilet Rebate Program at https://www.atlantawatershed.org/apply-for-a-toilet-rebate/
Learn more about Fix a Leak Week at https://www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week
For the Kids
Kids aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow, they’re the dreamers and do-ers of today. “Test Your Water Sense” and try other fun activities at Flo’s Kids Zone.