Plumbing
A small leak can keep working while you sleep.
A drip is easy to tune out. The water meter does not tune it out with you.
How it works
EPA estimates that leaks in the average household can waste more than 10,000 gallons a year. That is a national estimate, not a finding about your home. A check of your own usage and fixtures gives you a better starting point.
A more useful comparison
The sound you noticeA dripping faucet is an obvious clue.
The usage you can trackLook for changes in your water use and ask whether a less visible leak could be involved.
Put the decision back in your hands.
A higher bill does not tell you the cause by itself. Start with evidence rather than replacing fixtures at random.
One useful next step
Compare water use over similar periods. Record visible leaks and ask a plumber to investigate unexplained changes.
EPA WaterSense: Fix a Leak Week
Source checked September 22, 2026. General education; your home needs its own assessment.
Source checked September 22, 2026. General education; your home needs its own assessment.