Indoor self-audits are easy to perform and will help you find ways to conserve water. Always fix leaks as soon as possible.
Self-Audit: Bathrooms
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.
Self-Audit: Kitchen
Check all water sources for leaks, following the instructions for bathrooms.
- Sink faucets
- Dishwasher
- Garbage disposal
- Ice maker
Self-Audit: Laundry
Check all water sources for leaks.
- Supply lines to washing machine.
- Supply lines to sinks.