Do you have a water leak?
Water leaks can happen to anyone – and most leaks are silent, which makes them hard to find. Whether they come from your toilet, bathtub, washing machine or dishwasher, they can cause a high water and wastewater bill and costly damage to your home. That’s why the City of Vaughan is providing tips you can use to help catch leaks early – or hopefully prevent them before they even happen.
A simple way to test for leaks is to ensure water is not being used in your home at the end of the day. In other words, avoid running washing machines, dishwashers, sprinklers or toilets at night and record the number on your water meter. Do not use any water or flush any toilets overnight. Then in the morning, check the number on your water meter. If the number has changed, you may have a water leak somewhere inside or outside of your home.
The most common cause of high water and wastewater bills is toilet leaks. To check for a leaky toilet, follow these steps:
- Remove the tank lid from the toilet.
- Put about five drops of food colouring in the toilet tank. Use Worcestershire sauce or another very dark liquid if you do not have food colouring.
- Close the toilet lid and wait 30 minutes. If coloured water seeps into the toilet bowl, you have a leak. This can be a sign that the flapper valve may need to be replaced or realigned.
- If the bowl is clear and all the coloured water remains in the tank, you do not have a leak.
- Repeat these steps with all toilets in your home.
If you suspect a water leak in your home, call a licensed plumber to investigate and repair as soon as possible. For more information on water conservation and checking for leaks, read the City’s water wise brochure (PDF).
Accidental Water Leak Adjustment Policy
Did you know the City has an Accidental Water Leak Adjustment Policy (PDF)? It provides one-time financial support for eligible residents who are Alectra Utilities account holders and not-for-profit organizations who have experienced an unintentional water leak due to failed plumbing, such as a leaky toilet or faucet. For details on the policy, including eligibility and how to apply, visit the City’s Accidental Water Leak Adjustment webpage.
For more information on water services in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/water.
For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.