
Check your water usage devices (toilets, taps, washing machines, etc.) on a regular basis. Malfunctioning water devices can add up to large water consumption bills and a leak even as small as the head of a pin will waste water and increase your water bill.
Have you found a toilet leak in your home? There are three tests that you can try to see if a toilet is leaking. It is good practice to check your toilets, taps, washing machine, etc. on a regular basis. Leaky toilets are often the cause of high-water bills and could waste more than 450 liters of water a day.
Signs of a leaking toilet
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- You must wiggle the handle to make a toilet stop running

- You hear sounds from an unused toilet
- You must hold the handle down to allow the tank to empty
- You see water running over the top of the overflow inside the tank cover. This is a sign that the refill valve is leaking or needs adjustment. You can sprinkle a little talcum powder on top of the water in the tank to see if the water is running over the top of the overflow pipe
- You see water dripping down the sides inside of the toilet bowl long after it has been flushed
- Water drops out of the refill tube into the overflow pipe
- A toilet runs or refills without you touching the handle
If your toilet shows none of the symptoms above, it could still have a silent leak, causing a high-water bill. |
Test your toilet for a leak
There are three (3) tests that determine if your toilet is leaking:
The Dye Test
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- Remove the toilet tank cover and set it aside
- Remove any ‘in-tank’ bowl cleaners that colour the water
- Begin the test with clear water in the tank and bowl
- Place enough food colouring or instant coffee in the tank’s water to get a deep colour (may stain the tank)
- Wait 30 minutes. Your toilet is leaking if the dyed water has made its way into the toilet bowl. A proper operating toilet will store water in the tank without water running into the bowl.
If the dye test shows the toilet is leaking, the diagnostic test can identify which part of the tank is affected and needs repair. |
The Diagnostic Test
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- Draw a pencil line on the back wall inside the toilet tank at the waterline
- Turn the water supply off, either under the toilet tank or at the main shutoff
- Wait 20 to 30 minutes. If the water level remains at the pencil mark, the leak is likely occurring at the fill valve or ballcock (the unit on the left side of the tank with the float attached). If the water level falls below the pencil mark, the leak is likely occurring in the flapper valve (the unit located in the bottom center of the tank)
In most cases, the flapper valve is usually the cause of leaking toilets. |
The Night to Morning Read Test
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- Turn the water off to the toilet before going to bed. If you must use the toilet during the night, fill a bucket with water and dump the entire bucket of water into the toilet bowl.
- Check the water level in the morning. If the water level is lower or even with the edges of the tank flapper, the leak is caused by either a bad flapper valve or a damaged toilet flapper valve seat. If the tank is almost empty and the water level is below the edges of the toilet valve seat, the leak may be caused by a damaged gasket under the flapper valve. In this case, the leak can appear on the floor around the base of the toilet. The toilet tank will have to be separated from the toilet bowl to change the gasket.
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Other Possible Problems with the Toilet
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If you notice water on the floor near a toilet, the following problems could be present:
- Condensation could be forming on the toilet tank during humid weather
- The wax-sealing ring under the toilet bowl may have disintegrated
- The toilet bowl may be cracked
- The connections under the toilet tank may be leaking
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Other toilet tips
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- The toilet tank water level should be below the overflow pipe. If it is not, the float ball should be adjusted.
- If you have to "jiggle" the toilet handle after flushing, adjust the chain so the flapper valve closes properly.
- If your toilet is an older 22-litre model, consider replacing it with a modern 6-litre low-flow toilet. You will experience savings on your water and sewer bill and save water.
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If you find a leak with your toilet
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If you find a leak, contact a licensed plumber right away to have it fixed.
The Municipality has a reduction clause in the current By-law for water and wastewater bills. For more information please contact us by email or call 905-885-4544.
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Tips for reducing outdoor water usage
Watering your lawn frequently results in higher water bills and sewer rates are applied. Remember: you are responsible for all water consumption on your property.
Outdoor water usage tips
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- Only water your lawn when it needs it
- Use a rain gauge to figure out when your lawn needs watering (less than 1 inch of rain per week)
- Water your lawn when it is difficult to push a screwdriver into the soil
- Place sprinklers where the water lands on areas that need it (don’t water it if it doesn’t grow)
- Use a timer to control watering (about an inch of water flows per 30 minutes)
- Water your lawn between 6 and 10 a.m. to prevent water loss through evaporation
- Avoid watering on windy days
- Use soaker hoses to save up to 70 per cent of water usage compared to sprinklers
- Keep mower blades sharp
- Leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing (the clippings contain 50 per cent water and they will fertilize the lawn)
- During the summer months, irrigation systems are a common source of high water use. Automated irrigation systems should be checked regularly to be sure they are functioning properly and have no leaks or broken sprinkler heads.
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About my water meter
Your water meter measures the amount of water you use at your property in cubic meters. One cubic meter equals one thousand (1,000) liters. Your water meter is found inside your home typically in the basement. Municipality of Port Hope staff calculate your water and wastewater bill by reading the automatic reading box (ARB) that is mounted to the outside of your building.
Water meter leak indicator
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You can use your water meter’s leak indicator to detect plumbing issues that may cause higher than normal consumption on your water and wastewater bill. There are varying models of water meters. Depending on which model you have, the leak indicator is a blue triangle at the center of the dial, or a red circle to the bottom right of the dial. Turn off all water sources and watch your meter for 10 to 15 minutes. If the leak indicator continues to turn there is likely a leak. |
Water meter problems
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If you are having issues with your water meter contact the Finance department by email or call 905-885-4544. |
Replacing water meters
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You will receive a letter from us if your water meter needs to be replaced. |
You can report an issue if you have a water leak or need a water meter replacement. Please note that Report an Issue is NOT meant for emergencies. If you are reporting an emergency issue please call 905-885-2431.
Report an issue