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640 E. Ryan Road, Oak Creek WI 53154
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IS YOUR TOILET WASTING WATER?
Admin • August 12, 2017
Water conservation is a cause everyone should care about. Though it may seem like the flow of water from your taps is endless, clean water is a limited resource. It costs municipalities time and effort to clean contaminated water and make it suitable for drinking and home use, and the more water is wasted, the higher your tax bills and water bills may become.
Many homeowners conserve water by taking shorter showers and using less water in their landscaping. But one of the biggest culprits when it comes to water wastage doesn't always get the attention it deserves: your toilet.
Toilets waste water in two ways: by leaking and by using too much water with each flush. Here's a closer look at both of these water-wasting problems and how you can address each one.
TOILET LEAKS
Since most toilet leaks don't create a mess, they often go undetected and unaddressed. The water leaks from the back tank into the bowl and straight down the drain. A moderate toilet leak can waste about 6,000 gallons of water a month!
Signs of a Toilet Leak
If your toilet starts running randomly when you have not just flushed it, then you have a leak. If you are not sure whether or not your toilet is leaking, try putting a couple of drops of food coloring in the back tank. If the water in the bowl turns colors without you flushing, your toilet is leaking.
Causes of a Toilet Leak
The simplest cause of a toilet leak is an excessively high water level in the toilet tank. When the water level is too high, water pours down into the overflow tube and straight into the toilet bowl.
Remove the lid from your toilet tank. If you see the water level constantly rising and water spilling into the overflow tube, then adjust the water level by locating the adjustment screw on the float and turning it clockwise until the water level lowers to 1/2 inch beneath the rim of the overflow tube.
Toilet leaks can also be caused by loose toilet flappers. The flapper is that plastic piece that fits over the valve that leads into the toilet bowl. It can become bent or chipped over time, causing water to leak into the toilet bowl between flushes.
If your flapper appears to be damaged, you can easily remove it, purchase a new one, and snap it into place. Flappers come in one standard size, so any model you buy at the hardware store should work.
If you adjust the water level and replace the flapper but are still experiencing a toilet leak, there may be a crack in one of the pipes or valves. Your best bet, at that point, is having a plumber like those at Oak Creek Plumbing Kitchen & Bath
replace the toilet before any more water is wasted.
EXCESSIVE WATER USE
The average person flushes the toilet five times per day, so if each flush uses an extra 2 gallons of water, a family of three will waste more than 800 gallons of water each month.
If your toilet was made before 1992, it probably uses 3.5 gallons per flush. It if was made before 1980, it may use up to 7 gallons per flush! Compare that to modern, water-efficient toilets that use 1.3 to 1.6 gallons per flush, and it's clear that older toilets are wasteful.
Most toilets are stamped with a date either inside the tank lid or on the back wall of the tank. If your toilet was made before 1992, it's time for a replacement.
Toilet use accounts for a large percentage of in-home water consumption, so it only makes sense to ensure your toilet is conserving as much water as possible. If you suspect your toilet is leaking or has a high flush volume, get in touch with your plumber and make the necessary upgrades to reduce water use. The planet will thank you--and so will your bank account.
Reliable plumbing services in Milwaukee, WI. Oak Creek Plumbing & Remodeling offers expert repairs and installations for homes and businesses. Call today!!
Looking for expert kitchen remodeling in Milwaukee, WI? Oak Creek Plumbing and Remodeling offers customized renovation services. Click here for more details!
Relocating your kitchen sink can be a game-changer for your kitchen’s functionality and style. At Oak Creek Plumbing and Remodeling , we understand that making such a significant update requires expert planning and execution. To help you navigate this project, we’ve put together a guide on the do’s and don’ts of relocating your kitchen sink in 2025. When planning your sink relocation, start by evaluating the feasibility of moving plumbing lines. Keeping the sink close to existing connections can save you money and streamline the process. Proper venting and drainage are crucial to avoid plumbing issues down the road. Don’t forget to position your sink strategically within the “kitchen work triangle” (sink, stove, and refrigerator) to maximize efficiency and convenience in your kitchen layout. At Oak Creek Plumbing and Remodeling , we recommend obtaining necessary permits and consulting with professionals to ensure the job is done right. Our licensed plumbers and kitchen remodeling experts can guide you through the process, helping you avoid costly mistakes. This is also a great opportunity to upgrade outdated pipes or consider installing a water filtration system for added functionality. Plus, a well-thought-out sink relocation can boost your kitchen’s resale value, making it a worthwhile investment. Avoid common pitfalls by addressing structural constraints, such as load-bearing walls or floor joists, which can complicate plumbing work. It’s important to budget realistically for costs, including plumbing modifications, cabinetry adjustments, and potential flooring repairs. While aesthetics are important, functionality should take priority. For example, a sink under a window is visually appealing but should not disrupt the flow of your kitchen. Electrical considerations are just as important as plumbing. Ensure proper placement of outlets, lighting, and garbage disposal wiring in the new sink area. Don’t overlook water pressure checks and drainage slope requirements, as these details are critical for preventing leaks and clogs. Above all, avoid rushing the project—cutting corners can lead to improper installations and long-term damage. At Oak Creek Plumbing and Remodeling , we specialize in seamless kitchen sink relocations that enhance both style and functionality. Whether you’re looking to optimize your kitchen layout or make a bold design statement, our team is here to help. With our expertise, you can achieve a kitchen that’s efficient, stylish, and built to last. Ready to get started on your kitchen sink relocation? Contact Oak Creek Plumbing and Remodeling today for a consultation! Let’s turn your kitchen dreams into reality.
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