By: Southern Nevada Water Authority
You don’t need to be a sleuth like Sherlock Holmes to know that a dripping faucet is an obvious sign of a water leak. However, there may be other hidden “phantom” water leaks lurking in your home that aren’t as easy to identify and repair.
Knowing how to track down and fix leaks can save as much as 11,000 gallons of water each year, along with reducing your water bills. If you suspect a “phantom” water waster is on the loose in your home, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has some tips to help you bring the culprit to justice.
The Case of the Dripping Faucet: A leaky faucet can waste several gallons of water per day. In addition, a dripping faucet may deteriorate a sink bowl and drive you buggy, as it provides moisture for thirsty ants, flies and other insects.
You can find the best source of repair information for a specific product by visiting the manufacturer’s website. However, most faucets have a common assembly with the same basic parts. Meanwhile, most bathrooms are equipped with mixing faucets or stem faucets, which control the temperature settings via “hot” and “cold” handles. Both faucets have two individual units that may need to be repaired.
You can also find a repair kit at your local hardware store. The kit should include a special adjusting ring wrench, seals, springs and o-rings. Also, washer assortment kits may be more cost-effective than buying washers individually.
The Case of the Phantom Flusher: If your toilet sounds like it’s running all day, you may have a leak. “Ghost” or “phantom” flushing is usually the result of a worn rubber flapper that allows water to seep from the tank into the bowl and down the sewer. An improperly adjusted flapper chain also could cause the problem. By replacing your toilet’s existing flapper with an early-closure flapper, you can save as much as 1.5 gallons per flush.
Another way to determine if water is seeping from your toilet’s tank is to conduct a dye test using food coloring or a powdered drink mix. Simply place the coloring agent in the tank, wait five minutes, and then check to see if any coloration appears in the bowl. If so, then you may have a leaking flapper valve.
For more water-saving tips, visit snwa.com or call the Conservation Helpline at 702-258-SAVE.
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You don’t need to be a sleuth like Sherlock Holmes to know that a dripping faucet is an obvious sign of a water leak. However, there may be other hidden “phantom” water leaks lurking in your home that aren’t as easy to identify and repair.
Knowing how to track down and fix leaks can save as much as 11,000 gallons of water each year, along with reducing your water bills. If you suspect a “phantom” water waster is on the loose in your home, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has some tips to help you bring the culprit to justice.
The Case of the Dripping Faucet: A leaky faucet can waste several gallons of water per day. In addition, a dripping faucet may deteriorate a sink bowl and drive you buggy, as it provides moisture for thirsty ants, flies and other insects.
You can find the best source of repair information for a specific product by visiting the manufacturer’s website. However, most faucets have a common assembly with the same basic parts. Meanwhile, most bathrooms are equipped with mixing faucets or stem faucets, which control the temperature settings via “hot” and “cold” handles. Both faucets have two individual units that may need to be repaired.
You can also find a repair kit at your local hardware store. The kit should include a special adjusting ring wrench, seals, springs and o-rings. Also, washer assortment kits may be more cost-effective than buying washers individually.
The Case of the Phantom Flusher: If your toilet sounds like it’s running all day, you may have a leak. “Ghost” or “phantom” flushing is usually the result of a worn rubber flapper that allows water to seep from the tank into the bowl and down the sewer. An improperly adjusted flapper chain also could cause the problem. By replacing your toilet’s existing flapper with an early-closure flapper, you can save as much as 1.5 gallons per flush.
Another way to determine if water is seeping from your toilet’s tank is to conduct a dye test using food coloring or a powdered drink mix. Simply place the coloring agent in the tank, wait five minutes, and then check to see if any coloration appears in the bowl. If so, then you may have a leaking flapper valve.
For more water-saving tips, visit snwa.com or call the Conservation Helpline at 702-258-SAVE.
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