A leaking toilet cistern drain is very easy to repair. However, sometimes realizing the existence of such a leak can be a real challenge, especially if it does not produce any noise. It is really frustrating to get a higher than normal water bill and not understand why. This tutorial shows you a quick and easy method to detect a leak in your toilet cistern.
Steps
Step 1. Remove the toilet cistern lid
Step 2. Drain the water in the tank as you normally do
Wait for the hopper to fill up again, until it reaches its normal capacity, to perform a complete unload and load cycle.
Step 3. Pour 4-5 drops of food coloring into the toilet bowl
Go for a dark color, such as blue or red, so that it immediately stands out in the water.
Step 4. Close the toilet cistern and wait 20-30 minutes
Step 5. Look at the bottom of the toilet
If the water remains clear, there are no leaks in progress. If, on the other hand, the water has traces of dye, it means that the tank drain is leaking.
Step 6. If possible, repeat the procedure in all bathrooms in your home
This is very important to find out if the problem is widespread or confined to a single bathroom.
Advice
- The water may need to be drained several times to completely remove the dye.
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If the toilet is used after the dye has been poured, the result may not be accurate.