If you’ve ever attempted to figure out if your toilet is leaking, you know how difficult it can be to diagnose with the naked eye. But ignoring the problem leads to wasted water and higher utility bills, which is why you want to address it as soon as possible. Fortunately, a common pantry staple can…
A Drop in the Bucket
First, grab a bottle of liquid food coloring. Opt for a darker shade like blue or green rather than yellow, which can be difficult to see against the white bowl. It’s also worth noting that red dye can sometimes stain older or worn porcelain, so stick to blue or green if you want to play it safe.
After removing the toilet tank lid, squeeze 10 to 15 drops of food coloring directly into the tank water. It’s important to put these drops into the tank, not the bowl. Doing the latter will invalidate the experiment before it even begins.
Let the dye sit for 20 minutes before checking the toilet bowl. If the water has changed from clear to tinted, your toilet probably has a leak. This means that the flapper valve inside the tank — which is meant to create a tight seal that keeps water from draining into the bowl — likely needs replacing. If the water in the bowl stays clear, however, your flapper is working correctly and there’s no cause for concern.
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Fix the Flapper
If you’ve identified a leak, the next step is to replace the flapper valve. Flappers typically come in 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch sizes, so consult the owner’s manual to determine which fit is right for your toilet. These parts cost about $10 each and are easy to replace yourself — installation takes only a few minutes.
Once the flapper has been replaced, repeat the food coloring test. Ideally, this will result in a clear toilet bowl, confirming that the leak has been resolved. If the dye still seeps through, however, you may need to contact a plumber for further assistance.
