Toilet Leaks
Want a quick way to lower your water bill? Check for water leaks, starting with the toilet. A leaky toilet is the most common reason for a spike in water bills. A silent leak can waste as much as 300 gallons of water a day without anyone noticing.
Annual Cost
The cost of a 300 gallon-per-day leak could be $300 or more over the course of a year, and that figure does not include sewage services.
Checking for a Leak
A homeowner can check for a leak very easily:
- Add about 10 drops of food coloring to the water tank
- Wait about 30 minutes
- If the water in the toilet bowl has any hint of color when you return, you have a leak
Common Cause
Most leaks are caused by a bad “flapper,” the circular object that covers the hole in the bottom of the tank. The flapper is easy to replace, and you can buy one at any hardware store.
Water Conservation Information
Check out the Save Tarrant Water page for more details on saving water inside your home.