Is your Water Bill too high for your OBX Rental Home? Take 15 minutes to save gallons of water every day!
You may think those little leaks in your bathroom don’t amount to a drop in the bucket. NOT SO! The sneakiest drip can be found in your bathroom toilet. Toilet tank leak, almost undetectable to the naked eye, can add $25.00 or more to your quarterly bill.
TOILET LEAK DETECTION
Leaks always get larger and cost you more the longer you wait. Here’s a step by step procedure to check for toilet leaks:
1. Wait 5-10 minutes after the last flush to perform the leak test.
2. Remove the cover, gently drop a Leak Detective Tablet (available at hardware or plumbing stores) into the tank. DO NOT FLUSH!
3. Wait 15-20 minutes.
4. If blue dye color appears in the bowl, you have a leak-don’t worry it won’t stain the bowl.
The sources of the leak may be any of the following:
1. The flapper valve and valve seat have deteriorated or corroded.
2. The flushing arm and lift chain are not working properly.
3. The water level is the tank is too high and spills into the overflow tube.
4. The float rod, ballcock and/or float ball are corroded.
Replacement parts are available at hardware and plumbing supply stores or consult your local plumbing professional.
OTHER LEAK TIPS:
-Check your toilet tank at least twice a year.
-Turn the water off. Don’t let it run when you wash, brush your teeth, shave or wash your car.
-Water your lawn in the early morning-one inch a week is good for your grass.
-Take shorter showers or a bath.
-Run full loads of dishes and clothes.
-Water plants, not the driveway or sidewalk.