Commonly Asked Questions / Topics

Water Leaks – Periodically you should check all faucets for drips. Replace worn and leaking washers, gaskets, pipes or defective fixtures.

Check for leaks on outside faucets, and make sure the valve closes properly.

Also, check toilets for leaks – they are the most common cause of high bills! Check the overflow of the tank to make sure no water is running over. (float level may be set too high) The flapper valve in the bottom of the tank is also a location of a possible leaking toilet. To check a flapper valve leak, put a small amount if food coloring in the toilet tank after it has filled. Do not flush the toilet for at least an hour, or overnight if possible. If the food coloring shows up in the bowl without flushing, you probably have a leaking flapper or plunger ball valve.

A dripping leak consumes 15 gallons of water per day. 450 gallons per month.

Older toilets (installed prior to 1994) use 3.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush and as much as 20 gallons per person per day. Replacing an old toilet with a new model can save the typical household 7,900 to 21,700 gallons of water per year, cutting both your water and wastewater bills.

Tips – Take a quick shower instead of a bath. A typical bath uses about 20 gallons of hot water, while a five-minute shower with an energy efficient showerhead will use about half that amount.