Leaky Toilets Can Be Costly

Leaks in toilets have been found to be the biggest culprits in causing high water bills. Often these leaks cannot be seen or heard. What should you do? The best way to test for a leaking toilet is relatively easy. Place some food coloring in the back of the tank. DO NOT FLUSH THE TOILET. Wait several minutes and see if any of the food coloring shows in the toilet bowl, indicating a leak. If you have more than one toilet, dye test them all.

Your water meter can also be a useful tool in determining if you have a leak problem. The water meter is typically found in the basement of your house, toward the front wall, either in the utility room or in a closet. On the face of the meter, there is a small red dial or triangle which is a "leak detector" and will spin when small amounts of water pass through the meter. To most accurately determine whether water is leaking, be sure to turn off all water consumption devices and then go look at your meter. Is the little red dial spinning? If so, you have a leak. If you are unable to locate the leak, call a plumber. It may save you money in the long run.