Did you know that a dripping faucet can waste up to 30 gallons of water per day and a leaky toilet can waste up to 100 gallons of water per day?
Governments and water management districts throughout the state have declared April Water Conservation Month. While the Southwest Florida Water Management District staff advocates water conservation year-round, an extra effort is being made to promote conservation throughout April because it is typically marks the start of the peak demand season for public water suppliers.
Each week the District will provide a couple of simple water conservation tips that the average resident can use. This week the focus is on fixtures.
Dripping faucets can be repaired by replacing the washers or tightening the fixture. A variety of repair kits can be found in local home improvement and hardware stores. Most kits contain detailed instructions and a listing of necessary tools, or a plumber can make the repairs.
Toilet leaks can be detected by adding leak detector tablets or a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If the tank is leaking, color will appear in the bowl within 10-15 minutes. Flush the toilet after testing. The leak could be caused by a worn flapper. If replacing the flapper, visit www.toiletflapper.org for help selecting the proper flapper for your toilet. If the leak is not caused by the flapper, you will need a large adjustable wrench and a screwdriver to fix the leak yourself, or call a plumber.
If you think you may have a leak and are not sure where it is, use your water meter to determine if there is a leak. Turn off all faucets and water-using appliances. Remember to wait for the hot water heater and ice cube makers to refill, and for regeneration of water softeners. Check your water meter and record the current reading. Wait 30 minutes, making sure no one uses water during the testing period, then read the meter again. If the reading has changed, you have a leak.
If you have a well, listen for the pump to kick on and off while the water is not in use. If it does, you have a leak.
If you cannot find the leak using these tips, you should consult a plumber.
To learn more about water conservation and the drought, or to schedule a speaker, please visit the District’s web site at www.WaterMatters.org/drought/.