There are few things worse in your home than a plumbing leak.  They destroy your home and property, increase your water bill, and waste precious water.

So, it’s time to expand your knowledge about plumbing leaks.  Here are 12 facts everyone should know.

1. Plumbing leaks are responsible for over $6 billion worth of property damage and waste over 3,000,000,000,000 gallons of water every year in the U.S.
2. Water is the leading cause of property damage and a far more likely risk than fire and theft combined.
3. 45% of insurance losses come from water and freeze damage.
4. Failing to detect or repair a plumbing leak can be serious. Plumbing leaks causing rotted wood and drywall often lead to mold and then health issues – not to mention the damage to personal property, like family heirlooms.
5. It can be hard to track down leaks in your home. Checking your water company statement each month can help detect a problem. A water bill that is exceptionally high could be your first indication that a fixture or pipe is leaking.
6. Be on the alert for hissing or gurgling noises, or the sound of running water even when no plumbing is being used. All of these may be the first signals that you have a leak somewhere. Use your ears to try to pinpoint where it is.
7. Buying a new home? Be sure to have it checked for leaks before you sign on the dotted line.
8. Toilets, yes toilets, are the most common sources of plumbing leaks.
9. Everyone in your household should be taught how to turn off the water supply in case of emergency (such as a burst pipe) — or how to get help fast.
10. Your water heater is equipped with a pressure relief valve. If it springs a leak this may not be obvious to you because it could be plumping water straight into a drain.
11. If part of your floor feels hot to the touch, take note and investigate; you just might have hot water pipe leakage right underfoot.
12. If you have an irrigation system, plumbing leaks can also happen outside your home resulting in a lot of wasted water.

But you don’t have to believe us - check out these eye-opening facts about plumbing leaks courtesy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

1. The average household's leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year, or the amount of water needed to wash 270 loads of laundry.
2. Household leaks can waste more than 1 trillion gallons annually nationwide. That's equal to the annual household water use of more than 11 million homes.
3. Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.
4. Common types of leaks found in the home include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. All are easily correctable.
   
   Check out more info at their site - https://www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week
   
   Or, from the Insurance Information Institute - https://www.iii.org/article/how-protect-your-home-water-damage

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