A leaky faucet can cost you between $1 and $20 per month, depending on how fast it drips and how much your local water costs. A slow drip of about 10 drips per minute might only waste a gallon of water per day, which adds up to roughly 30 gallons per month. That could cost you a couple of dollars, maybe even less, depending on your water rates. But a faster leak, say 120 drips per minute, can waste over 300 gallons each month, driving your bill up by $15 or even more. If the leak is hot water, you’re also paying extra on your energy bill to heat water you’re not even using.
In this article, we’ll break down how much a leaky faucet really costs you over time. We’ll look at the math behind water waste, explain how to check your own drip, and help you figure out if it’s worth fixing right away. You’ll also learn simple tips to stop the leak and save money.
How Much Does a Leaky Faucet Cost Per Month? (The Real Cost Breakdown)
A leaky faucet can cost you anywhere from $1 to over $150 per month, depending on how fast the drip is, how long it’s been going on, and the water rates in your area. Here’s the simple truth: a faucet that drips every few seconds might not seem like a big deal. But that small drip can turn into gallons of wasted water every day—and that waste shows up on your water bill. Let’s break it down so you can see exactly how those little drips add up and what they might be costing you each month.
Typical Monthly Costs Based on Drip Rate
Here’s a clear look at how different drip rates affect your water waste and costs:
| Drip Rate (drips per minute) | Water Wasted per Day | Monthly Cost Estimate |
| 10 drips | 1 gallon | $1–$2 |
| 60 drips | 5 gallons | $6–$10 |
| 120 drips | 11 gallons | $15–$20 |
| Continuous small stream | 60–100 gallons | $50–$150+ |
What These Numbers Really Mean:
- A tiny drip—say, 10 drips per minute—might seem harmless. That’s about a gallon of water per day, which can add a dollar or two to your monthly water bill. Not huge, but it adds up if left for months.
- A moderate leak, like 60 drips per minute, wastes around 5 gallons a day. That’s 150 gallons a month, which could mean an extra $6 to $10 on your water bill.
- A fast drip, 120 drips per minute, really makes a dent—over 11 gallons a day, or about 330 gallons a month. Depending on your local water rates, that could cost you $15–$20 extra.
- And if you’ve got a continuous small stream, it’s a much bigger problem. This can waste up to 100 gallons a day—yes, every single day. That can easily mean $50, $100, or even $150+ per month on your water bill.
These numbers might not seem life-changing on their own, but they sneak up on you. What feels like “just a little leak” becomes an extra charge every month. And if you have multiple leaks? The costs multiply fast.
Real-Life Scenarios
Let’s paint a few real pictures, so you see how this plays out in everyday life:
- The Kitchen Drip You Ignore: You’ve got a kitchen faucet that drips 60 times per minute. That’s around 5 gallons a day, which could add $10 a month to your bill. You probably don’t even notice it anymore—it’s just part of the background noise. But that slow, steady drip is quietly draining your money.
- Two-Bathroom Faucet Situation: Maybe you’ve got two bathroom faucets, each dripping 20 times per minute. That’s about 3 gallons of water wasted daily between the two of them. In a month, you could be paying an extra $5–$7, just for drips you might not even see unless you’re looking for them.
- Outdoor Drip That’s Out of Sight: Outdoor faucets can be sneaky. A slow drip from an outdoor spigot or hose bib can waste hundreds of gallons over the year. It may not seem like much month to month—maybe just a couple of extra bucks—but it adds up over time. And if you’re in an area with high water rates, that “small leak” can quietly add $20–$30 to your annual bill.
Here’s the bottom line: A leaky faucet is more than an annoying sound or a minor inconvenience. It’s a slow, steady drain on your wallet. Fixing it saves money, not just on your water bill, but on potential long-term problems like water damage or mold.
Why a Leaky Faucet Costs More Than You Think
A leaky faucet doesn’t just waste water—it wastes money, energy, and sometimes even your peace of mind. That slow drip, which you might barely notice, can quietly add up to hundreds of gallons wasted and higher bills every month. And the longer you ignore it, the worse it gets. A small leak today could turn into a bigger, more expensive plumbing issue tomorrow.
Let’s break down how a leaky faucet quietly drains your wallet in more ways than one.
The Hidden Impact on Your Water Bill
Most folks don’t think much of a tiny drip—until they see their water bill. Even a faucet dripping at just 10 drips per minute wastes around one gallon of water every day. That might not seem like a lot, but it adds up:
- Over a month, that’s about 30 gallons down the drain.
- Depending on your local water rates, that’s an extra $1–$2 tacked onto your bill.
But if your faucet is dripping faster, say 60 drips per minute, you’re wasting 5 gallons a day. That’s 150 gallons per month, which could mean $6–$10 extra on your bill. And if it’s a fast leak—like 120 drips per minute—you could be paying an extra $15–$20 per month.
And it’s not just the water. Many areas also charge sewer fees based on how much water you use. So you’re getting charged twice—once for water you never used, and once for the sewer services that water never needed.
It’s like throwing money out the window every month, without even realizing it.
Hot Water Leaks = Hidden Energy Costs
Now here’s where things get really sneaky: If the leak is coming from your hot water tap, you’re also paying for the energy used to heat that water.
Every drip of hot water wasted is also energy wasted. That means your electric or gas bill quietly goes up, too. A steady hot water drip might add $5 to $15 per month to your energy costs, depending on how much hot water you’re losing and what kind of water heater you have.
It’s like paying to heat water… just to watch it go down the drain. And that constant demand on your water heater? It can wear it out faster, leading to repairs or even a costly replacement sooner than you expected.
Other Leaks Can Compound Costs
A leaky faucet is often just the tip of the iceberg. If you’ve got one leak, chances are there might be others hiding around your house.
Think about it:
- A running toilet can waste 200+ gallons per day—that’s an extra $50–$150 per month.
- A leaky showerhead might waste hundreds of gallons if left unchecked, especially if you’re not using water-saving fixtures.
- An outdoor spigot or garden hose can leak without you even noticing, quietly adding to your bill over months.
Add all those small leaks together, and suddenly you’re looking at hundreds of extra dollars per year—all from problems you could fix with a little time and effort.
That’s why it’s worth checking for leaks regularly. A small drip is easy to ignore, but it’s rarely alone.
How to Calculate Your Leaky Faucet’s Monthly Cost
If you’re wondering, “How much is this drip really costing me?”, the good news is—you can figure it out yourself with a little math and observation. Whether you like doing the math or prefer a free online tool, you’ll get a clearer picture of how much money is going down the drain every month.
The DIY Drip-to-Cost Formula
Here’s how you can calculate your exact leak cost:
- Count the drips per minute: Grab a timer (your phone works great). Count how many times your faucet drips in one minute.
Let’s say you count 60 drips per minute.
- Convert drips to gallons: According to the USGS, it takes 15,140 drips to equal one gallon.
So:
- 60 drips per minute = 3,600 drips per hour
- 3,600 x 24 hours = 86,400 drips per day
- 86,400 ÷ 15,140 ≈ 5.7 gallons per day
Over a month, that’s about 171 gallons wasted.
- Multiply by your local water rate: If your water costs $0.01 per gallon, that’s about $1.71 per month for this one faucet.
If your rates are higher, like $0.03 per gallon, you’re paying $5.13 per month, just for that leak.
- Factor in sewer and energy charges: Don’t forget, if it’s a hot water leak, you’re also paying to heat that water. That could add another $5–$15 per month on your energy bill.
It might not seem like much at first glance, but imagine that leak going for six months. Or a year. Or if you’ve got more than one. It really adds up.
Free Tools to Help
If math isn’t your thing, no worries—there are free tools that can do the heavy lifting:
- USGS Drip Calculator: Just plug in your drip rate, and it’ll tell you how many gallons you’re wasting per day, month, or year.
- Some local water utilities have online calculators, too, where you enter your drip count and they’ll estimate the cost based on local water rates.
- You can also look at your past water bills for clues. If your usage is higher than usual, and you haven’t been filling pools or watering the lawn, a hidden leak is probably the culprit.
By doing a little detective work now, you can stop wasting water—and money—before it really adds up.
Factors That Affect How Much a Leaky Faucet Costs
How much a leaky faucet costs each month depends on how fast the leak is, how long it’s been dripping, your water and sewer rates, and whether the leak is cold or hot water. Even a slow drip can add up to a few dollars a month, but a faster leak or a leak involving hot water can raise your bill much more.
Let’s walk through the key factors that impact the total cost of a leaky faucet.
Drip Rate and Duration
The speed of the drip is the biggest factor. A faucet dripping 10 times per minute might waste 1 gallon of water a day, but if it’s dripping 120 times per minute, you’re wasting over 11 gallons every day. That’s the difference between a few bucks extra per month and a much higher bill.
And it’s not just how fast it drips—it’s how long it goes on. A slow drip running for months adds up, while a fast drip over a few days may not hit your bill as hard unless it keeps going.
Local Water and Sewer Rates
Where you live makes a big difference in how much a leak costs you. In some areas, water is relatively cheap, just a few cents per gallon. In other places, like parts of California, water can be several cents per gallon, and sewer charges are tacked on too.
For example, 300 gallons of wasted water might cost you $3 in one city and over $10 in another. That’s why it’s so important to check your water bill for local rates when figuring out the true cost of a leak.
Hot vs. Cold Water Leaks
If the leak is from your hot water faucet, the cost is higher. Why? Because you’re also paying to heat that water. That means your energy bill goes up, not just your water bill. A hot water leak can quietly add another $5 to $15 per month in energy costs—money you wouldn’t need to spend if the faucet wasn’t leaking.
Multiple Leaks Add Up
One leaky faucet might not seem like a big deal. But what if you have two? Or a leaky showerhead? Or a running toilet? The costs can pile up fast.
If you’ve got a few small leaks, the total waste could be hundreds of gallons per month, leading to higher bills and wasted resources. It’s easy to ignore a small drip, but when you have several, the costs multiply.
Why You Should Fix a Leaky Faucet ASAP
Fixing a leaky faucet isn’t just about stopping an annoying drip. It’s about saving money, preventing water damage, and protecting the environment. The longer you wait, the more money, water, and energy you waste. It’s one of those small problems that can grow into a much bigger one if you don’t act fast.
Here’s why it’s worth tackling that leak now, not later.
Long-Term Water Waste = Higher Bills
Every drop wasted is money lost. A faucet leaking just one gallon a day might only cost a dollar or two a month, but over a year, that’s 365 gallons. And if the drip is faster, the waste grows fast—thousands of gallons wasted every year, costing you $50, $100, or even more.
Fixing it now means those extra charges stop. Wait too long, and you’ll end up paying for water you didn’t even use.
Preventing Water Damage
A leaky faucet isn’t just about the water you see dripping. That water can pool under sinks, seep into cabinets, and cause mold, rot, or damage to walls and floors. Even a small leak left untreated for months can lead to costly repairs that go way beyond your water bill.
It’s like ignoring a small crack in a wall—it gets worse the longer you leave it.
Environmental Impact
Wasted water is a shared problem. Every gallon wasted at home is part of a bigger issue, especially in areas facing water shortages. Fixing your faucet helps reduce the strain on local water supplies and saves energy used to treat and deliver water to your home.
A small act at home can make a real difference when everyone pitches in. That slow drip might not seem like much, but it adds up across millions of households.
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet: DIY or Call a Pro?
Fixing a leaky faucet can be a simple DIY job, or it might need a plumber’s help, depending on the cause. If it’s a worn-out washer or a loose part, you might be able to handle it yourself with a few basic tools. But if the problem is deeper, like corrosion or a hidden leak, calling a plumber is the safer option.
Let’s look at what you might be dealing with and how to decide whether to roll up your sleeves or pick up the phone.
Common Causes of Leaky Faucets
Most leaky faucets happen for a few reasons:
- Worn-out washers or O-rings: These small rubber parts seal the faucet, and they wear down over time.
- Loose nuts or connections: A small turn of a wrench can sometimes fix a drip.
- Corroded valve seat: This is where the faucet connects to the spout. If it’s damaged, it can leak around the base.
- High water pressure: If your water pressure is too strong, it can stress faucet parts and cause leaks.
Identifying the cause is the first step to fixing it.
Tools You’ll Need for DIY Repairs
If you’re tackling the job yourself, here’s what you’ll likely need:
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- Hex key or Allen wrench (for some faucet handles)
- Replacement parts like washers or O-rings
- Teflon tape for sealing threads
Having these tools ready saves time and frustration. And always remember to turn off the water supply before you start!
When to Call a Plumber
If you’ve tried tightening parts or replacing washers and the faucet still leaks, it’s time to call a pro. A plumber can check for corrosion, cracked pipes, or hidden leaks that you might miss.
You should also call for help if:
- The faucet drips from multiple places.
- The leak is connected to hot water pipes or a tankless heater.
- You’re unsure about shutting off the water or disassembling the faucet.
A good plumber can save you time, hassle, and possibly a much bigger repair bill down the line.
Final Thoughts
A leaky faucet might seem like a small issue, but it can quietly waste gallons of water and raise your water bill each month. Depending on the drip rate, a faucet leak can cost anywhere from $1 to over $150 per month, especially if the leak is fast, runs for months, or involves hot water. Fixing the problem quickly is the best way to avoid paying for water you’re not even using.
Don’t wait for that slow drip to turn into a steady stream or a plumbing nightmare. Whether it’s a worn washer, a loose connection, or something more serious, addressing a leaky faucet early saves you money on water and energy bills and helps prevent damage to your home. A little time spent on a DIY repair or a quick call to a plumber can go a long way toward protecting your wallet or you can use a high-end kitchen faucet for better longevity.
Every drop counts—literally. Stopping a leaky faucet today helps reduce your monthly water costs, lowers your energy usage if it’s a hot water leak, and contributes to water conservation efforts in your community. It’s a simple step that pays off in the long run.
Related FAQs
How do I check if my faucet is leaking?
Watch for drips or water pooling around the faucet. You can also listen for a slow, steady drip, or check your water meter when no water is running.
Can a dripping faucet increase my bill by $50 or more?
Yes, especially if it’s a fast drip or a small stream. A leak that wastes several gallons a day can easily add $50 or more to your monthly bill.
Does it cost more if the leak is hot water?
Absolutely. Hot water leaks also waste energy, which can add an extra $5–$15 per month or more to your utility bill, depending on your water heater.
Should I fix a small drip if it’s only a few cents a day?
Yes, even a small drip adds up over time. It’s easier and cheaper to fix a leak now than to deal with higher bills or water damage later.
What’s the environmental impact of a leaky faucet?
A leaky faucet wastes water, which is a limited resource. It also increases the energy used to treat and deliver water, so fixing leaks helps the planet too.
Dylan Foster is a family man with years of hands-on experience in plumbing, household maintenance, and fixing everyday issues around the home. A former plumber, Dylan knows what it’s like to deal with tricky leaks, worn-out parts, and all the little problems that pop up in a house. From plumbing repairs to kitchen fixes and garden hose setups, he’s done it all. Dylan shares real-world solutions to help others keep their homes running smoothly and avoid costly mistakes.
