Leaks waste a shocking amount of water and can cause unnecessary damage and mold in your house. Take a few minutes to locate leaks and water waste. Your wallet will thank you later.
While you’re at it, check out our toilet rebates, follow these simple tips to conserve water outdoors, and subscribe to our email for other water-smart tips.
Check the toilet.
- Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait 30 minutes to see if the color appears in the bowl. If it does, the toilet might have a leaking flapper valve. Flapper valves are easy to install and are available at most hardware stores; check the EPA’s WaterSense website for simple how-to videos.
- Look at the back and bottom of the toilet for leaks on the supply line.
- If your toilet is several years old, it may be wasting water with each flush. Look into our toilet rebate program and earn up to $100 to replace your old toilet with an efficient WaterSense model.
Check the sink.
- Watch the faucet for a minute for drips.
- Open the cabinet and check the hot and cold supply lines for weak spots, such as a bulge in the hose.
- Turn on the faucets and watch the lines for leaks while they are in operation.
- Many faucet leaks can be repaired easily by following online tutorials, such as the videos available on the EPA’s WaterSense website.
Check bathtub and shower.
- Operate the faucets to make sure they function properly.
- Turn on the shower to check for leaks. When the water is diverted to the showerhead, the water flow from the tub faucet should stop.
- It is difficult to check the exact flow from your aerators and showerheads without the proper flow bag (a plastic bag with measuring marks on the side). But if you have a utility bucket that you know the capacity of, you can time filling it to determine the approximate flow.
- Faucet aerators should be changed every three to five years. Showerheads should be replaced every seven to 15 years; you can also remove buildup by soaking showerheads with Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover sold at hardware stores. High-efficiency showerheads and aerators are available at any hardware store and are easy to install.
Check all water sources for leaks, following the instructions for bathrooms.
- Sink faucets
- Dishwasher
- Garbage disposal
- Ice maker
Check all water sources for leaks.
- Supply lines to washing machine.
- Supply lines to sinks.
If you have additional water sources in your house, thoroughly check them using the same procedures. Fix all leaks as soon as possible.