Ottumwa Water Works

Yes, a noticeable increase in water consumption could be an indication of a water leak in your home.

One of the most common culprits is the toilet. Toilet leaks can waste up to 200 gallons a day! Even though a toilet isn't running, it can still be leaking water. If you suspect a problem, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and let it sit for several hours. If the dye has colored the water in the bowl, there is a leak. Also, look inside the tank for water going into the overflow pipe. If a problem is identified, contact a plumber to make repairs.

You also may want to check for dripping faucets. A simple washer replacement is often an easy, inexpensive repair that can eliminate drips in faucets.

Another way to check for evidence of leaks is to read your water meter before going to bed at night. Simply flash a flashlight on the meter to activate, write down the first five numbers, and repeat this process to check it again first thing in the morning. If the reading has increased and no water was used during the night, you may have a leak. Remember to account for icemakers, humidifiers, water softeners, or other appliances that operate during the night hours.

Lastly, never underestimate the amount of water that is consumed for normal, everyday tasks around the home. Here are some average water consumption amounts for routine household tasks:

• Shower: 25-50 gallons (5-10 gallons/minute)
• Bath: 36 gallons (full tub)
• Toilet flush: 5-7 gallons (less with new low-flow toilets!)
• Brushing teeth: 2 gallons (tap running)
• Hand washing: 2 gallons (tap running)
• Shaving: 3-5 gallons (tap running)
• Dishwashing: 20 gallons (tap running)
• Automatic dishwasher: 12 gallons (full cycle)
• Clothes washer: 30-60 gallons (full cycle)
• Outdoor watering: 5-10 gallons per minute