Water is our most valuable resource. Use these water wise tips to help conserve water and economize.

Leaky Toilet and Flappers

Leaking toilets cause more water waste than any other fixture in the home. The water loss can normally be attributed to a leaky flapper. There is one sure way to find out if the flapper does not fit properly.

• Place 10 drops of blue food coloring in the tank of the toilet.
• Replace the lid and do not flush the toilet for approximately 15 minutes.
• If after the wait time you look into the bowl and see the food coloring, it is time for a new flapper!
• After installing the new flapper, run the dye test again to assure you have no leak.
• If the leak persists, it is possible the entire flush valve will need replaced. Replacement parts are inexpensive and fairly simple to install.
• Even a silent leak will waste from 30 to 500 gallons of water per day!

Other Places to Look

• Replace worn gaskets and washers on indoor and outdoor faucets.
• Check your hot water heater for leaks.
• If you have a humidifier installed to your furnace, check to make sure it is not dripping from worn out parts.
• An icemaker, especially the commercial size, could also wear out and leak.

Cold Weather

Don’t let cold weather catch you unprepared. Take precautions now to avoid potential winter in-home disasters.

• Locate your master shutoff valve and mark it with bright paint or a large, bright tag and inform family members of its location. For any plumbing problem, this valve will stop the flow into the home.
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and faucets.
• Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas.
• Leave a pencil-lead-thin stream of water flowing during extremly cold weather as well as leaving the cabinet doors open to allow the heat of the house to keep those pipes warm.
• Broken pipes – frozen meter? If your pipes do break and water is leaking in your home, or if you think your meter is frozen, the District will dispatch service personnel to your house and shut the water off free of charge. For emergencies Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. call (816) 761-5421. After hours emergency (816) 966-0551.

Information on other ways that you can help conserve water can be found at: Water.EPA.gov