The annual Detect-A-Leak Week is April 13-19 and the Honolulu Board of Water Supply is partnering with Hardware Hawaii to help everyone learn how to conserve the island’s limited water resource.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 10% of U.S. homes have leaks that waste nearly 90 gallons of water every day — that’s 32,850 gallons every year. Since many leaks often go unnoticed, it’s essential to proactively detect and fix leaks to avoid wasting water and increasing your water bill.
For toilet leaks:
- Leaking toilets are often silent and are typically caused by a deteriorated flapper. Toilet leaks account for the largest amount of indoor leaks.
- The toilet flapper allows the toilet to complete its flush cycle and lasts four to five years before needing to be replaced.
- Changing a toilet flapper is quick, easy and inexpensive.
- For proper fit, bring the old flapper to a hardware store or check the manufacturer’s website for compatibility.
- If you hear water running after the toilet tank refills, you have a leak.
How to check for a leaky toilet:
- Drop a leak detection tablet in the tank of your toilet and wait 10 minutes. If the water in the bowl changes color, you have a leak.
- A sudden increase in your water bill could indicate an inefficient toilet or a leak elsewhere on the property.
Free toilet leak detection tablets will be available during Detect-A-Leak Week at all Satellite City Halls, Hardware Hawaii locations and in the BWS Public Service Building’s lobby at 630 South Beretania Street.
Also check for dripping faucets and showerheads, plus outdoor leaks from your garden hose or sprinkler system. Visit the BWS website for more information.
The public is invited to two in-person events sponsored by BWS and Hardware Hawaii. Find out how to find and fix leaks, take home toilet leak detection tablets, BWS swag and win prizes during these events:
- April 13, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Kickoff at Pearlridge Center near Macy’s
- April 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wrap-up at Kahala Mall’s Center Court
