Toilet leaks can go undetected until they become more serious. Surprisingly, 12% of water use in homes throughout the United States are from water leaks. If your water bill has gradually increased during the past few months, chances are there is a water leak in your home. A toilet leak is a common issue. Follow the steps below to find out if a toilet leak is responsible for your water bill increase.
- Carefully remove the toilet tank lid from the toilet and place it gently on a flat surface.
- Drop about ten drops of blue or green food coloring into the toilet tank and wait 15 minutes. Do not flush the toilet.
- Look in the toilet bowl to see if the water is clear or not. If you notice the blue or green food coloring in the bowl you have a leak.
You can tell how severe the leak is by the amount of food coloring in the bowl. If the water in the bowl is lightly tinted with the food coloring the leak is small. However, if the water in the bowl is the same color shade as in the tank the leak is serious and costing you a lot of money.
Before you put the lid back on the tank, check to see if you notice any of the parts are broken or rusted. Old parts are a common reason for toilet leaks. If this is the case, quick and easy replacement parts and installation by a professional will solve the issue.
To prevent leaks in the future it is recommended to conduct the test every three months. As soon as you notice a slight color tint in the bowl get it fixed right away.
You will be surprised how many gallons of water the average toilet leak wastes. Generally, a basic toilet leak can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day which could cost you about $70.06 or more on your next bill. And that’s just for one toilet. If you live in a household with two or more bathrooms that have toilet leaks you can multiply the cost. This means a house with two bathrooms that have an average leak can hike your water bill up $140 or more depending on the current water prices in your area.
Don’t let a toilet leak drain your bank account. Take action today by giving us a call for further assistance with your plumbing needs.
Since 1968, Chip Mokher & his team has provided South Florida with quality service with a commitment to our customers’ satisfaction. Our many years of experience has allowed us to serve thousands of homes and businesses in Miami-Dade County. We welcome the opportunity to serve you, please call us at 305-446-8266 or email us at chip@mokherplumbing.com
