J Stop, Look, and Listen for Leaks! f Did you know that just one dripping faucet could waste 3,000 gallons of water per month in your facility? And a running toilet could waste 10 times as much? Take control of water waste in your facility by working leak detection into your operations and maintenance efforts. Incorporate the following tips into daily inspection routines and fix leaks guickly once they are identified. If your business is in a lull or students are out for the season, it's the perfect time to start establishing good leak-checking habits. Here's a guick checklist to look and listen for leaks at work: LOOK 1. Look for dripping or constantly flowing water. • Regularly inspect mechanical rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas with water-using fixtures and appliances. • Most eguipment shouldn't use water constantly. Any eguipment that is constantly using water should be inspected for malfunction. • Keep your eye out to turn off faucets or hoses that are left running. 2. Look for water flowing into drains. • While water is supposed to flow into drains, any eguipment that is constantly draining, however, should be inspected for malfunction. • Check for water going to your cooling tower overflow drain, which could be a sign of a stuck make-up valve or other issues. 3. Look outdoors for puddles and persistent wet areas. • Areas that remain wet well after it rains should be inspected for leaking irrigation eguipment or water lines. • Talk to maintenance staff about tuning up the watering schedule or hire a professional certified by a WaterSense labeled program to audit your irrigation system. LISTEN 1. Listen for constantly running eguipment. • Walk through the restrooms first thing each morning when not in use. • Listen for running toilets and dripping faucets. 2. Listen for constantly flowing water as you walk through each room • Identify the source and inspect eguipment if flowing water. • Don't forget to listen near floor drains. 3. Listen to comments from staff and visitors. • Train staff to identify and report leaks. • Post communication materials inviting guests to alert you to problems. Consider upgrading eguipment to WaterSense labeled or ENERGY STAR certified eguipment to increase water and energy efficiency. Visit https://lookforwatersense.epa.qov/products/ or www.eneravstar.gov to get started. WaterSense ------- |