DIY Hack To Tell If Your Toilet Is Leaking

RoomCrush
by RoomCrush
2 Materials
$6
2 Hours
Easy

My water usage had increased by 30% while our household was consuming less water. Huh? Here's the trick I used to see if a leaking toilet was the cause of the 200 gallon a day increase.


This hack was suggested by my local water department and it was explained to me that if a toilet has a flapper that is not sealing correctly you will not be able to hear the running water.

STEP 1: Remove The Cover Of The Toilet

STEP 2: Add A Few Drops Of Food Coloring

Food coloring will not stain the porcelain of your tank.


Please note you can use something else to tint the color of your toilet bowl water, but please be mindful of not using something that will stain it.


Juice was another option mentioned to me, but I did not test it and therefore can not recommend it.

STEP 3: WAIT AT LEAST 2 HOURS

DO NOT USE THE RESTROOM IN THE MEANTIME

STEP 4: Check The Bowl

If your toilet flapper is leaking the food coloring will leak into the bowl; which means you're losing water without knowing it.


You can buy a toilet flapper to correct the issue and lower your water bill.


To view more ways to reduce your monthly household expenses check out my detailed post icon

Suggested materials:
  • Food Coloring   (Amazon)
  • None
RoomCrush
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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 2 comments
  • William William on Oct 19, 2020

    This is a good old technique. Also good for a toilet that is loosing water but no sign of any leaks. The colored water will show up where the water is going. Sometimes you can see slight movement, ripples in the toilet water for a non sealing flapper.

  • Cynshops Cynshops on Oct 19, 2020

    One can use the clorox blue blocks to disinfect the toilet instead of dye.... Just put it in the back of your toilet and the water in the bowl should not turn blue until the toilet is flushed.

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