Water-wise tip: Check toilets for leaks

Toilet parts – especially that rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank – can wear out, turning even the most efficient fixtures into water wasters. A leaky toilet can waste 30 to 50 gallons a day.

If you suspect a toilet may be leaking, try this test:

Put a drop of food coloring in the tank. Wait 15 minutes. If color seeps into the bowl, there’s a leak. Make sure to flush the toilet immediately after conducting this test to avoid staining the bowl.

Several local water providers offer free toilet leak test kits, too. Contact your water district or city services department to request a kit.

This story was originally published May 29, 2015 at 5:00 PM with the headline "Water-wise tip: Check toilets for leaks."