Water Leak Scavenger Hunt Age Group: 3-8 grades
Context:
Changing your household’s water use helps to lower your water bill and your environmental impact. Reducing leaks is a simple way to reduce water waste and save money! This is a fun way for students to reduce water waste and learn more about home water usage.
Check out this video to learn more about common household water leaks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Efow6RI02og.
Goals:
Reduce water use and lower water bills
Learn more about home water usage
Optional Supplies: Time: 30-45 minutes
Timer
Duct tape
Food dye or powdered drink packets.
Instructions:
First, identify potential sources of leaks!
Bathroom and kitchen sinks
Shower heads
Toilet tanks
Clothes Washer connection (see image below)
Identify potential sources of leaks, continued:
Dishwasher
Outside faucets
Hot water heater & other basement piping
Regardless of where you start, be sure to check surrounding areas and pipes.
Examples include:
Check the pipe under the sink for drips after checking the faucet
Look for water or stains at the base of the hot water heater
Check for water or stains on the floor at the base of the dishwasher
Estimating water waste:
Once a leak is found, count the number of drips per minute using the timer.
Record your drip counts, then find your total water wasted using this chart:
Source: EPA
OPTIONAL: Taping leaking pipes with a parent or guardian
If you find leaks in pipes under the sink or in your basement, you can do a quick fix by using duct tape to tape over the leak until the leak can be properly fixed.
Checking your toilet for leaks (as these are especially wasteful)
Remove the cover to the toilet tank and add food dye or colored powdered drink packets
Replace the cover and wait 30 minutes. DO NOT flush the toilet.
After 30 minutes, check the toilet bowl for the dye or colored powder.
If the colored water has moved from the tank to the bowl, check the flapper in the bowl as it may not be sealing correctly and could need to be replaced.
Reflection Questions:
Why is it important to not waste water?
What other small steps can we take to save water?
Turn off the water when brushing your teeth.
Turn off the water when washing dishes by hand.
Showering for 1-2 minutes less per shower can save up to 150 gallons of water per month.
Sources: