How to Determine If You Have a Water Leak
From our experience, 90 percent of the leaks in residential plumbing systems are found at the toilet tank. Malfunctioning water softeners run a distant second. We encourage you to check for a leak. Toilets leak at the bottom of the tank around the flapper plug or at the top of the tank at the overflow tube. To test the flapper plug, carefully remove the lid from the toilet tank and mark the water level in each toilet tank with a pencil. Shut off the water supply to the toilet. If the water remains on the mark you made for 10 minutes, the flapper plug is not leaking. If the water level drops below the mark you made, the flapper plug is leaking and should be repaired or replaced. The water level in the toilet tank should be at least 1 in. below the top of the overflow tube. Toilet tank leaks typically result from worn parts or misalignment of some part of the flushing mechanism. Most repairs can be done by an experienced "do-it-yourselfer." If you are not sure you can handle the job, call a plumber. It is important to stop the leak.
Water leaks are costly. A typical toilet leak at today's rates can add $5,400 to a single water bill. Our information is provided as a courtesy with hopes of action on your part that may minimize an unnecessary waste of water and expense to you.
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