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Plumbing Term

Leak

/leek/

Water escaping from pipes or fixtures through damaged areas or failed connections.

Full Definition

An unintended escape of water from pipes, fixtures, or connections due to damage, wear, loose fittings, or failed seals.

Common Usage

A dripping faucet is a minor leak, but hidden leaks behind walls or under slabs can cause major structural damage if not detected early.

Did You Know?

A single dripping faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year. The EPA estimates that household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually in the United States.