Have you noticed a huge increase in your Bergen water bill lately? One major culprit is usually a leaking toilet. Getting a plumber out to inspect your toilets can save hundreds of gallons of water a month. Here are some things to check for if you suspect a leaky toilet.
Listen to Your Toilet
Take the lid off your toilet and flush it. Watch the tank fill back up. Does it seem to take a long time to fill? Or does it seem as if it fills up and keeps running for a while? Either of these symptoms could be a sign that your toilet has sprung a leak. You can perform a DIY test to check the seal in your tank:
- Place a few drops of dye or a specially designed color tablet from the hardware store in your toilet’s tank.
- Wait at least 20 minutes.
- Check the toilet bowl for colored water. If you see any color in the bowl, it means you have a leaky seal on your hands.
Fix a Leaky Seal
Replacing a leaky seal can fix the problem, but if done incorrectly it can cost you more in leaks over the life of the toilet. Often it is best to call a professional plumber to fix the problem the right way the first time. A good fix will mean less water consumption and an eco-friendlier toilet.
Statistics on Toilet Water Loss
- A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day.
- A dripping or leaking toilet can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day.
- Older model toilets can use up to 7 gallons of water per flush (GPF). Newer models use only 1.28 GPF.
Replace or Repair?
If your toilet is an older model, a repair might not be worth the cost. It might be time for a replacement. Newer models are Energy Star rated and use a lot less water than older models. Upgrading to a new fixture could save you hundreds of dollars per year, essentially paying for the new toilet with the savings in your water bill.