How much water does a dripping faucet waste daily?

 A dripping faucet might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can waste a surprising amount of water daily. The actual amount depends on the frequency and size of the drips. On average, a faucet that drips once every second wastes approximately 5 gallons of water per day. While this might not seem like much on a single day, it adds up to around 150 gallons per month or 1,800 gallons annually.

To put this into perspective, a standard bathtub holds about 40-50 gallons of water. A dripping faucet can waste enough water to fill a bathtub every 8–10 days. The situation becomes even more alarming if you have multiple dripping faucets in your home or if the leak is more severe.

Factors like water pressure and the size of the faucet’s opening can also influence how much water is wasted. A faster drip or a steady trickle can waste even more water, reaching as much as 20-30 gallons per day in extreme cases.

Besides the environmental impact, this wasted water can significantly increase your utility bills. If your local water rates are high, even a seemingly small leak can cost you hundreds of dollars annually. Fixing the faucet promptly can save water, money, and reduce your carbon footprint, as water treatment and distribution require energy.