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TOILETS
They are notorious for hidden
leaks, wasting hundreds of
gallons a day if left
undetected. Leaks can occur if
the toilet is out of adjustment
or when parts are worn, so it's
important to check them
periodically.
Most toilet leaks occur at the
overflow pipe or at the plunger
ball. If it's at the overflow,
the water level is usually too
high. By gently bending the arm
until the valve shuts off the
water about 1/2" below the top
of the overflow pipe, you can
correct this problem. If the
valve is worn, it must be
replaced.
Plunger-ball leaks are more
difficult to detect. The best
way to check for these leaks is
by dropping a little food
coloring into a tank full of
clear water and waiting to see
if the color shows up in the
bowl. If the color does show in
the bowl, this is a sign of a
leaking plunger ball.
FAUCETS
Most faucet leaks are caused by
worn washers. Check all the
faucets in the house one to two
times a year. If any of them
drip after you've turned them
off, turn off the supply line,
take the faucet apart and
replace the washer.
HOW TO CHECK FOR LEAKS
USING YOUR METER
First, turn everything
off carefully, so no water is
being used anywhere in the
house. Then check the position
of the meter dial for 15
minutes. If it hasn't moved,
you have no leaks. If it has
moved, start checking hose
connections, faucets and
toilets.
*Remember, meters are
never reset. To find out how
much water you've used in any
given period, just subtract the
number of cubic feet used on
your last bill from the current
meter reading. The Cleveland
Division of Water calculates
your bill using thousand cubic
feet or one MCF. There are 7,500
gallons in one MCF.
Lastly, always make sure to
check your meter whenever you
receive an estimated bill. If
the estimated read does not
match your meter, call the
Division of Water at (216)
664-3130.
Before Repairs You
Should Know If Cleveland Water
or You, The Homeowner Is
Responsible For the Repair
(For more information, contact
the American Water Works
Association at
www.awwa.org )
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*Waste per quarter at 60
psi water pressure:
Diameter of stream Cubic Feet
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1/4" |
158,000 |
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3/16" |
89,031 |
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1/8" |
39,400 |
Water
Loss
Leaking
Toilet @1/2 GPM = 21,600 Gal/mo
Drip
Irrigation @1 GPM = 43,200
Gal/mo
Watering
Garden for 2 hours @ 5 GPM =
18,000 Gal/mo
Watering
Garden for 2 hours @ 10 GPM =
36,000 Gal/mo
Unattended
Water Hose 1 night @10 GPM =
5,400 Gal/mo
Broken
Services Line 1 night @15 GPM =
8,100 Gal
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1 day @15 GPM =
21,600 Gal
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1 week @15 GPM =
151,200 Gal
-
1 month @ 15 GPM
= 648,000 Gal
Stuck Ice
Maker @ 2 GPM = 86,400 Gal/mo
Stuck Check
Valve in Washing Machine
@ 30
minutes = 240 Gal
Stuck Float
Valve in Watering Trough @ 5GPM
= 216,000 Gal/mo
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