The average household’s leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Common types of leaks found in the home are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. These types of leaks are often easy to fix, requiring only a few tools and hardware that can pay for themselves in water savings. Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills. (Source EPA)

You may not need to track down a plumber because there are several things you can do yourself to fix a leaking toilet and dripping faucets. Hardware stores sell a variety of affordable repair parts or if needed complete repair kits.

Flushing toilets is the single largest use of water in the home. Since the average person flushes five times a day, the gallons can really add up. Just one leaking toilet can use over 6000 gallons a month!

If you suspect your toilet is leaking, place a few drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color shows up in the bowl within 10 minutes without flushing, you have a leak (make sure to flush immediately after this experiment to avoid staining the tank).

• Replace the Flapper – The most common leak is water getting past the flapper. Over time, this inexpensive rubber part decays, or minerals build up on it. It’s usually best to replace the whole rubber flapper—a relatively easy, inexpensive do-it-yourself project pays for itself in no time.
• Stop water from flowing into the overflow tube. Verify that the water level is a ½” to 1” below the overflow tube. Adjusting your float can ensure that excess water is not being lost or that you’re filling your tank fuller than needed.

If you have tried everything, talk to a plumber and see if it is time to replace your toilet. If it is time to replace, investigate the benefits of a low-flow toilet.

• Older, conventional toilets can use 5 to 7 gallons per flush, but low-flow models use as little as 1.6 gallons.

Simple Reminder – Don’t flush things down the toilet to dispose of them. Throw tissues and other bathroom waste in the garbage can, which doesn’t require gallons of water.

Stop the drips! If your sink or bathtub faucets leak one drip per second you’ll waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. You could take 180 showers with all that water!

• Check for leaks by examining the washers and gaskets for wear and replacing them if necessary.

Fix that leak! A showerhead that leaks 10 drips per minute wastes more than 500 gallons per year. That’s 60 loads of dishes in your dishwasher!

• Grab some pipe tape and a wrench and make sure that connection is tight.

Install low-flow faucet aerators in your sinks – Save gallons of water each time you use the tap.

• Conventional faucets flow as high as 3 gallons per minute, but low-flow faucets flow at 1.5 gallons per minute.

Simple Reminder – Turn off the water while you shave and brush your teeth.