How to Find and Repair Simple Leaks

In just one year a leaky toilet wastes over 22,000 gallons of water, a leak in a sink of just one drop per second wastes an additional 2,400 gallons per year.

Toilet Leaks

Some toilet leaks make a running sound, others are silent. To detect a silent leak, put some drops of food coloring into your toilet tank. Wait 20 minutes; if there is coloring in the bowl, you have a leak. Many toilet leaks can be fixed with simple tools and a do it yourself manual.

Pipe Leaks

Leaky pipes in your basement, under you sink, and behind your washing machine or dishwasher can waste great amounts of water. They can also damage your home. To detect these unseen leaks, check your water meter. Then don’t run any water for an hour, and check the meter again. If the meter has moved, you may have a leak.

Faucet Leaks

Leaky faucets waste hundreds of gallons of water monthly, but many can be fixed with an inexpensive washer. A good household do it yourself simple advice. Here are basics for valve-stem-and- washer-type-faucet:

1. Shut off water supply to faucet
2. Remove parts; lay them down in the order in which they are taken out to simplify reassembly
3. Replace worn washer with same size and type
4. Reassemble unit
5. Turn on water supply

Check with plumbing supply store for simple repair of other faucet types.