Toilet Tank Repair

Written by Shawna Currie

Friday, 19 October 2007

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a leaky toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water a day. In the average household, a leaky toilet wastes more water than taking long showers or running the water while washing dishes.  “A leaky toilet could secretly be raising your water bills,” said Michael Bryant of the Mr. Rooter® of Port Lavaca and Victoria franchise. “October is National Toilet Tank Repair Month and the ideal time to make any necessary repairs. Not only could it save you money, but with the holidays approaching, you don’t want to have a plumbing problem with a house full of guests.”  Whether it’s a silent leak or a problem that’s more obvious, like a toilet that runs continuously, Mr. Rooter has five tips to keep your toilet from being a drain on your finances:  Put several drops of dark food coloring in the tank. If dye appears in the bowl, replace the valve seal ball or flapper at the bottom of the tank or adjust or replace the fill valve.   To prevent a running toilet, replace flappers and fill valves every couple of years.   If water continues to flow after flushing, adjust the chain or the float ball in the tank.   Don’t put chlorine-based products in the toilet tank because they corrode the metals and destroy the rubber seals.   Install an ultra low-flow toilet that requires only 1.6 gallons (6 liters) per flush.  If you’re not a do-it-yourselfer or the problem is too complicated to fix, be sure to contact a licensed, qualified plumber.

Last Updated ( Friday, 19 October 2007 )