Most water use in a home comes from a toilet. It accounts for nearly a quarter of the residential indoor water use. Toilet leaks can lead to an increase in lost water. The simplest tip is to avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Here are some potential ways to conserve water by fixing your toilet:
Check the Toilet Tank for Leaks
Add some food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, the food coloring will appear in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes. Flush the toilet after the test is complete because the food coloring may stain your tank.
Optional Repairs
- Flapper: Check the toilet for a worn-out flapper. Most replacement parts are inexpensive, readily available and easily installed.
- Handle: If the toilet handle frequently sticks in the flush position, letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it.
- Toilet Dam Installation or Displacement Device: Items such as a bag or bottle to cut down on the amount of water needed for each flush. Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts.
- Purchase new Low Flow Toilets: Uses less than half the water of older models.
Reminder
Dispose of tissues and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet. Wipes should not be flushed in your toilet. There is no such thing as flushable wipes.