Leak Detection Tips

A little leak loses lots! Just a slow drip from a faucet may add up to 15 or 20 gallons a day, while a 1/16" faucet leak wastes 100 gallons in 24 hours! Your garden hose may pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours.

Toilets are notorious for hidden leaks, and may waste hundreds of gallons a day undetected. Leaks occur when the flushing mechanism is out of adjustment or when parts are worn.

Most toilet leaks are at the overflow pipe or at the plunger ball. Sometimes the overflow valve is worn and will run like a leaky faucet and have to be replaced. If you are an experienced "do-it-yourselfer" you can do the job. Otherwise, call a plumber.

Plunger-ball leaks are not as easy to spot. Drop a little food coloring into clear water in the tank and wait. If it shows up in the bowl, you probably have a leak in the plunger ball. Replacing the ball or realigning the mechanism is a relatively simple job for a "do-it-yourselfer." Most toilet facilities have a turn-off valve below the tank to allow repairs to be made.