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Leaky pipes are abig problem that can go unnoticed and lead to expensive repairs.

Hidden leaks can cause costly damage before a homeowner even realizes there's a problem, according to American City Plumbing and Heating.

To help homeowners reduce water waste and raise awareness about leaky pipes, theMichigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) is highlighting successful community leak repairs and water conservation projects in disadvantaged communities, as part of itsFix-a-Leak Week initiative, which runs through Saturday.

Priscilla Harris, from Michigan Welfare Rights Organization, walks up to a home on March 18, 2021, in Highland Park. Michigan recently announced a new program where 200 homes in Benton Harbor and Highland Park will receive free in-door plumbing to fix leaky pipes.(Photo: Antranik Tavitian, Detroit Free Press)

One of those projects is a pilot program that will provide 200 homes in Highland Park and Benton Harbor free in-home plumbing repairs and new water-saving fixtures. The state chose these two cities due to their water quality problems.

Plumbing repair can be really expensive in older homes, and difficulty finding a qualified plumber often means plumbing problems are put off, said Gracie Wooten,a Highland Park resident who actively supportsthe pilot program. This program will really help the eligible seniors who struggle with those costs.

Adrienne Bennett is the first Black female master plumber in the U.S. and CEO ofDetroit-based plumbing firm Benkari. Bennett's firm will be completing the plumbing repairs in Highland Park for the Water Leak Pilot program.

The state hasn't given a set date on when homeowners should expect repairs, said Linda Wheeler,project coordinator for theWater Leak Pilot program. But the data collection process kicked off Thursday for Highland Parkhomes that haveunusually high water usage. The group will focus on helping senior citizens, residents with disabilities and homes with children.

Gracie Wooten, left, a data coordinator with The Highland Park Human Rights Coalition, speaks with attendees before they head out to knock on doors on March 18, 2021, in Highland Park. Wooten lives in a house that is more than 100 years old in Highland Park. Michigan recently announced a new program where 200 homes in Benton Harbor and Highland Park will receive free in-door plumbing to fix leaky pipes.(Photo: Antranik Tavitian, Detroit Free Press)

The Highland Park Human Rights Coalition and local students went around the city Thursday, bringing awareness to homeowners about leaky pipes. The city's water department has software that shows which homes have unusually high water usage. The group used these findings to figure out which houses to canvassformore data, Wheeler said.

The coalition and the students will canvass around the city for the whole summer, she said.

TheFix-a-Leak Week campaign is aimed at educating consumers and water providers on the importance of fixing plumbing leaks to save money on water and energy bills, according to a news release from the state.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Clean Water Plan includes investing $500 million in federal dollars, state bonding authority and existing state revenues to create a comprehensive and statewide water infrastructure program, the release said.

Zion Britton places a pamphlet with directions to sign up for a state-funded pipe fixing program at a Highland Park home on March 18, 2021, in Highland Park. Michigan recently announced a new program where 200 homes in Benton Harbor and Highland Park will receive free in-door plumbing to fix leaky pipes.(Photo: Antranik Tavitian, Detroit Free Press)

"Water leaks in the home can significantly increase consumer water bills and contribute to water quality concerns," EGLE's Clean Water Public AdvocateNinah Sasysaid. "Investments in water conservation efforts in the home and our water distribution systems are key to reducing energy consumption and cost while ensuring environmental sustainability."

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Priscilla Harris, right, from Michigan Welfare Rights Organization, helps Sharon Glotta, left, sign-up for a state-funded pipe fixing program on March 18, 2021, in Highland Park. Sharon pays upwards of $100 a month for water in her one-person house. Michigan recently announced a new program where 200 homes in Benton Harbor and Highland Park will receive free in-door plumbing to fix leaky pipes.(Photo: Antranik Tavitian, Detroit Free Press)

For a detailed schedule of online and social media events forFix-a-Leak Week, visit Michigan.gov/FixaLeakWeek.

Contact Slone Terranella at STerranella@freepress.com and follow her on Twitter @SloneTerranella.

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200 Benton Harbor, Highland Park homes will receive free in-home plumbing - Detroit Free Press