Tips

How To Detect A Leak, a.k.a. "The Dye Test"

A leak doesn’t always show up as a puddle on the floor . Sometimes you have to go looking for it. To test your toilet for leaks you will need a coloring agent, like food coloring, instant coffee, or even powdered fruit drink mix- anything that will turn the water in the toilet tank a deep color. Make sure that nobody uses the toilet for 30 minutes and then check it. If you find any of the colored water in the toilet bowl, your toilet is leaking.


More Ways To Save Water (And Money)

  • By turning off the water when you brush your teeth you can save 8 gallons per day.
  • If you shorten your showers by one or two minutes, you can save 5 gallons per day, per shower..
  • Washing only full loads of laundry can save 15 to 50 gallons per load.
  • Replace your clothes washer with an Energy Star approved clothes washer.
  • Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks.
  • Don’t use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket.
  • Insulate your water pipes.
  • Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators.
  • Only wash full dishwasher loads.
  • When washing dishes by hand, don’t leave the water running for rinsing.
  • Don’t let water run while shaving.
  • Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don’t run the tap until it gets cold.
  • When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
  • Don’t use running water to thaw food.
  • Watering your yard only before 8 a.m. to reduce evaporation and interference from wind can save 25 gallons per day.
  • Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than a closely-clipped lawn.
  • Collect water from your roof to water your garden.