Fix A Leak Week

Drip… Drip…10% of homes have leaking fixtures and toilets, which can waste 90 gallons of water or more per day.

Leaking household fixtures can be detrimental to your septic system.

LEAKING FIXTURES

TOILET LEAKS

The flapper is the most common cause of running toilets.  The large rubber piece at the bottom of the tank is the flapper and is usually connected to a chain, which is then connected to a metal or plastic arm.  The flapper sits on top of the flush valve, sealing it to prevent water from entering the toilet bowl unless the toilet is flushed.  As this rubber flapper ages, it can become brittle, crack or warp, preventing it from providing a full seal with the flush valve and allowing the water to leak into the valve.  Also, debris or sediment from water can build up in the bottom of the tank preventing the flapper from sealing properly.

• Try jiggling the handle.  This can help the flapper reset.  However, this is often only a temporary solution.
• If jiggling the handle doesn’t work, take the lid off the back of the toilet and see if the flapper is against the flush valve or if it is hanging open.  Try moving the arm that is attached to the flapper and see if it falls back down to the bottom of the tank.  If that does not work, check to see if anything is blocking the flapper from returning to the bottom such as the chain or sediment.  If so, remove the impediments.
• Try replacing the flapper, if it continues to leak.

You can purchase a new flapper from a local hardware store or even from a plumber. Make sure you get the correct flapper for your toilet.  If this is not something you want to tackle yourself, a plumber can take care of it very easily.

SHOWERHEAD LEAKS

If your showerhead appears to be leaking every time you take a shower, it may be time to purchase some Teflon tape. Teflon tape is better known as pipe tape which you can get from your local hardware store.  Showerheads will often leak due to a loose connection between it and the pipe stem.  Applying pipe tape to the connection between the pipe stem and the showerhead will help prevent leaking.  If the showerhead is still leaking even when not in use, we would recommend you contact your plumber.