Leaky faucets might seem like a minor annoyance—something you’ll get around to fixing “someday.” But if you live in Sumner, Washington, even a slow, steady drip can waste hundreds to thousands of gallons of water a year, increase your utility bills, and contribute to water scarcity. In this blog post, we’ll break down how much water is actually wasted, why it matters locally, and what homeowners in Sumner can do to stop it—starting today.
🚱 The Numbers: How Much Water Is Wasted?
According to the EPA Water Conservation Facts, a faucet dripping once per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons per year. That’s the amount of water needed to take over 180 showers.
To put that in perspective:
- 10 drips per minute wastes ~347 gallons per year.
- 60 drips per minute (~1 drip per second) wastes ~3,153 gallons per year.
- A faucet leaking at a rate of 1/32″ stream can waste over 6,000 gallons per month.
Multiply that across the thousands of homes in the Sumner area, and you’re looking at millions of gallons of waterwasted annually—just from small leaks.
🌧️ Why It Matters in Sumner
Though Sumner benefits from the Pacific Northwest’s regular rainfall, the region is not immune to droughts or supply issues. The City of Sumner’s Public Works Department encourages water conservation to protect local resources and reduce infrastructure strain. Wasting water due to preventable plumbing leaks not only increases your monthly utility bill but also contributes to unnecessary stress on the municipal water system.
Additionally, local utilities often tier water pricing, meaning the more you use, the more you pay per gallon. A small drip could push you into a higher rate bracket without you realizing it.
🧰 Common Causes of Faucet Leaks
Leaky faucets are usually caused by:
- Worn-out washers or O-rings
- Corroded valve seats
- Loose parts or poor installation
- High water pressure (common in certain parts of Sumner)
The longer you leave a leak unattended, the more likely it is to cause additional issues like water damage, mold growth under sinks, and fixture corrosion.
💸 The Cost of Ignoring a Leak
Let’s say your faucet drips once per second. At over 3,000 gallons wasted annually, that can easily add $40 to $100 per year to your water bill depending on your utility provider’s rates.
Even worse? A slow leak might turn into a major plumbing issue, requiring emergency service and increasing repair costs.
Instead of letting it get worse, it’s better to have your faucet repaired or replaced by a licensed professional who can ensure long-term reliability.
🔧 How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in Sumner
Some homeowners might try a DIY fix, but unless you’re confident in your skills, it’s easy to over-tighten parts, damage the faucet, or miss the root cause.
A better solution is to schedule a professional plumbing inspection. At Einstein Pros Sumner Plumbing Services, we specialize in detecting and repairing faucet leaks quickly and efficiently.
Our local Sumner plumbing experts can:
- Inspect the entire fixture and supply line
- Replace faulty cartridges, washers, or seals
- Recommend water-saving fixture upgrades
- Ensure your plumbing is code-compliant and efficient
💡 Bonus Tip: Consider Upgrading to WaterSense Fixtures
The EPA’s WaterSense® program certifies faucets that reduce water usage by at least 20% without sacrificing performance. Upgrading to a WaterSense faucet could save you even more water and money in the long run—and may even qualify for rebates through your local utility.
Ask our team at Einstein Pros Sumner about WaterSense fixtures during your next service appointment.
✅ Final Thoughts
A leaky faucet might seem minor, but it can waste thousands of gallons of water, increase your utility bills, and put unnecessary strain on Sumner’s water supply. Don’t ignore the drip—fix it now.
Schedule a leak inspection today with Einstein Pros in Sumner and save water, money, and hassle.