Water Leaks
Costly Drops of Water
Water leaks are expensive. A typical toilet leak can add $300 onto a water bill.
The majority of leaks are due to a malfunctioning toilet tank. Toilets leak at the bottom of the tank around the flapper plug or at the overflow tube.
Checking for a Leak
To test the flapper plug, carefully remove the lid from the toilet tank and mark the water level with a pencil. Shut off the water supply. If the water level remains on your mark for 10 minutes, the flapper plug isn't leaking. If the water level drops below the line, the flapper plug is leaking and should be repaired.
The water level should be at least one inch below the top of the overflow tube. If the water level is at the top of the overflow tube, the float should be adjusted so that the water level is at least one inch below the top of the tube.
Toilet tank leaks typically result from warn parts or from misalignment from some part of the flushing mechanism. Most repairs can be done by a lay person. If you are not sure you can fix the problem, call a plumber.
Water leaks are expensive. A typical toilet leak can add $300 onto a water bill.
The majority of leaks are due to a malfunctioning toilet tank. Toilets leak at the bottom of the tank around the flapper plug or at the overflow tube.
Checking for a Leak
To test the flapper plug, carefully remove the lid from the toilet tank and mark the water level with a pencil. Shut off the water supply. If the water level remains on your mark for 10 minutes, the flapper plug isn't leaking. If the water level drops below the line, the flapper plug is leaking and should be repaired.
The water level should be at least one inch below the top of the overflow tube. If the water level is at the top of the overflow tube, the float should be adjusted so that the water level is at least one inch below the top of the tube.
Toilet tank leaks typically result from warn parts or from misalignment from some part of the flushing mechanism. Most repairs can be done by a lay person. If you are not sure you can fix the problem, call a plumber.