How much water does a leaky faucet waste per month?

Illustration of a blue water droplet falling from a chrome faucet into a digital water meter, symbolizing household water waste from a leaky faucet.

If you hear the steady drip…drip…drip of a leaky faucet anywhere in your Phoenix home—stop what you’re doing and listen. That little sound could be costing you hundreds of gallons every single month—and over time, hundreds of dollars, too.

Across the Valley, from Litchfield Park to Mesa, Rapid Rooter techs respond to countless leak calls that started with a “small drip.” But according to the EPA, even a faucet dripping once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons of water per year. That’s not just wasteful—it’s expensive, unnecessary, and totally preventable.

Here’s how fast that drip adds up, what it’s doing to your plumbing, and why a fast fix is the smartest move you can make.

Drip by Drip: The Real Cost of a Leaky Faucet

Let’s break it down with real numbers:

  • 1 drip per second = 5 drips every 5 seconds

  • That’s 12 drips per minute, or 720 drips per hour

  • That’s 17,280 drips per day

Now factor in that 15,140 drips = 1 gallon

Result:

  • 17,280 drips/day ÷ 15,140 ≈ 1.14 gallons per day

  • That’s about 35 gallons per month, for just one slow-dripping faucet

Now imagine:

  • A slightly faster drip? Over 100 gallons per month

  • More than one fixture? Easily 250–300 gallons monthly

And that’s only the water loss. Add in:

  • Water heating costs if the leak is on a hot water line

  • Increased pressure on older plumbing

  • Mold or cabinet damage under sinks

Suddenly, you’re not just dealing with wasted water—you’re facing real damage.

Why Fast Action Beats Silent Damage

Leaky faucets aren’t just about waste—they’re about wear. Even small leaks can:

  • Stress pipe joints by keeping the system under constant pressure

  • Encourage mineral buildup in faucets and aerators (especially in hard-water Phoenix)

  • Warp cabinets or flooring due to unnoticed seepage

  • Encourage mold growth in bathrooms or kitchens

  • Lead to valve failure, where the faucet won’t shut off at all

If you’re seeing a jump in your water bill, experiencing pressure drops, or noticing a leak around a handle or spout—don’t wait.

What Causes a Faucet to Start Leaking?

Most faucet leaks in Arizona happen because of:

  • Worn O-rings and washers degraded by high heat or mineral exposure

  • Cartridge wear inside single-handle faucets

  • Hard water corrosion, especially in East Valley homes

  • Aging fixtures (10+ years) where internal seals break down

And in older homes, even the shutoff valves under the sink may be too brittle to turn safely—making DIY repair risky.

Why DIY Faucet Repairs Can Backfire

Tempted to fix it yourself? You might want to think twice:

Wrong cartridge or washer size
Over-tightening that cracks the valve or threads
No shutoff prep—leading to a full-blown flood
Underlying corrosion or pressure issues left untouched

What starts as a $5 fix often turns into a $250 emergency call. At Rapid Rooter, we see it every week.

What a Pro Fix Includes

When you call Rapid Rooter for a faucet leak, here’s what we do:

  • Pinpoint the source of the leak (spout, handle, base)

  • Check water pressure and mineral buildup

  • Replace the exact part—cartridge, washer, or valve

  • Descale aerators and clean valve seats

  • Inspect for under-sink damage or seal breakdown

  • Test the fixture under real-use conditions

Repairs typically start at $125 and most are completed in under 90 minutes.

Membership = Long-Term Leak Prevention

Rapid Rooter’s Membership Program gives Phoenix homeowners peace of mind all year long. You’ll get:

  • Annual plumbing inspection with leak checks at all fixtures

  • 15% off all repairs, including faucet, toilet, and valve issues

  • No extra charge for weekend or evening service

  • Bi-annual water heater flush (removes pressure-causing scale buildup)

  • Transferable plan if you move within our service area

Catch leaks early, save on repairs, and stop drips before they become damage.

FAQ: Faucet Leaks and Water Waste

Q: Can a leaky faucet really impact my water bill?
A: Absolutely. Even a slow drip can add $10–$30/month to your utility bill, and faster drips waste far more.

Q: Should I turn off the water to a leaking faucet?
A: If you can safely access the shutoff valve, yes. But in older homes, the valves may be stuck—call a pro.

Q: Will a leak get worse over time?
A: Almost always. O-rings and cartridges continue to break down, often leading to full fixture failure or flooding.

Q: Is this covered under Rapid Rooter’s membership?
A: Members get a discount on repairs and annual leak inspections to prevent surprises.

Conclusion: That Drip Is Costing You—More Than You Think

A leaky faucet might seem minor, but the numbers don’t lie. Whether it’s wasting 35 gallons or 300 gallons a month, that drip is draining your wallet, damaging your home, and putting strain on your plumbing.

Rapid Rooter offers fast, affordable repairs that fix the leak—and prevent the follow-up problems. Don’t wait for a bigger bill. Book your repair today, and ask about our membership for long-term savings.

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