3 Ways To Detect Toilet Leaks

One leaking toilet may seem like it is not that big of a deal, but one leaking toilet can actually cost you about 200 gallons of water per day. The problem with a leaking toilet is, it is not always as noticeable to a homeowner as other types of water leaks because the water that has leaked simply flows out into the sewer system. Even if you do not see a leak in your toilet, it does not mean that it is not a huge problem. Take a look at some of the easy ways you can diagnose a leak in your bathroom toilet.

Turn off everything and take a good listen to your toilet. 

You probably do not spend any amount of time actually listening to your toilet, but if you suspect a leak, you really should. A leaking toilet usually makes a telltale hissing or dripping noise as the tank is repeatedly filled because the water inside is leaking out. Some modern toilets refill the tank so quietly that you will never catch on if you are not paying really close attention. Turn off everything in the house and listen carefully for these sounds if you suspect there is a problem. 

Drop some food coloring in the tank. 

If you are really suspicious that your toilet tank is leaking, grab a bottle of brightly colored food coloring, Drizzle a few drops in the back of the toilet tank and stand and watch the bowl. If the color starts to seep out into the bowl, you definitely have a leak. There is a flapper inside of the toilet tank that should remain closed until the toilet is actually flushed. The colored water leaking into the bowl indicates the water from the tank is leaking into the bowl without you flushing the toilet. 

Check your water meter. 

If you are connected to a public water system, you will have a meter at the onset of your water line to measure how much water you are using every day. If you are suspicious of a leaking toilet but have no proof, try checking the meter for your usage. You can turn off everything in the house that runs water, including lines that go to appliances and sinks, and then check to see if the meter is still running. If it is, try turning off the water valve on the back of the toilet and rechecking the meter. If your water usage stops, you likely have a toilet leak. 

Contact a service, like   Ongaro And Sons, for more help.