Leaky Bathroom Appliances? We Can Help!
Toilet Leaks
Old or worn-out toilet flappers (e.g., valve seal) can cause leaks. Flappers are inexpensive rubber parts that can build up minerals or decay over time. Replacing them can be a quick and easy fix for your water woes. To fix this leak, consult your local hardware store, home improvement retailer, or licensed plumber. Here are some online resources from WaterSense partners:
- WaterSense Bath Hack #3 shows how easy it is to Replace Your Leaky Toilet Flapper.
- Moulton Niguel Water District in California has a great series of "Potty Talk" videos that walk through everything you need to know about finding and fixing toilet leaks.
- Spartanburg Water in South Carolina has a useful video tutorial on detecting leaky toilets.
- Concord General Services has a dye test video on how to detect a toilet leak.
- The Regional Water Providers Consortium has a step-by-step video on how to fix a leaky toilet.
Tip: Bring the old flapper to the hardware store for comparison to make sure you buy a new flapper that fits your toilet model. You can also check the owner's manual, if you have it, or the manufacturer's website for the appropriate replacement part number for the flapper.
Faucet Leaks
Old and worn faucet washers and gaskets frequently cause leaks in faucets. A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. That's the amount of water needed to take more than 180 showers! Many tutorials are available online for how to fix a wide variety of faucets. Here are a few examples from our partners:
- Lowe's How to Fix a Dripping or Leaky Double Handle Faucet.
- Lowe's How to Fix a Dripping or Leaky Single Handle Faucet.
- The Home Depot How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet.
- WaterSense Bath Hack #2 shows you How to Replace your Faucet Aerator.
Tip: Don't forget to turn off the water line before you start!
Showerhead Leaks
A showerhead leaking at 10 drips per minute wastes more than 500 gallons per year. That's the amount of water it takes to wash 60 loads of dishes in your dishwasher. Some leaky showerheads can be fixed by making sure there is a tight connection between the showerhead and the pipe stem and by using pipe tape to secure it. Pipe tape, also called Teflon tape, is available at most hardware stores, is easy to apply, and can help control leaks. For more complicated valve leaks in showers that drip when not in use, contact an experienced handyperson or licensed plumber.
- This WaterSense Showerhead Bath Hack #1 video shows how easy it is to add Teflon tape and replace your showerhead.
Tip: It's also a good idea to check and, if needed, replace the washer or "o" ring inside the showerhead while making this repair.
For more information, check out the EPA website's 'Fix a Leak Week' article.
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