LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Department of Water will observe the Environmental Protection Agency’s annual “Fix A Leak Week” for the entire month of March.
The Department of Water is partnering in this national effort by offering free leak detection toilet tablets throughout the month of March.
The U.S. EPA is celebrating its annual “Fix A Leak Week” campaign from March 19-25. The program, over the last decade, has helped Americans become educated on the huge impact a small dripping in their home can have on the environment.
The free toilet tablets will be available throughout March in the Department of Water’s main lobby during its normal business hours. The tablets will also be available at the Tanaka Hardware Store located on Kalena Street across from Kalena Park from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
“Conducting repairs, such as a toilet flapper replacement, can save big in water resources, and on your water bill,” said DOW Public Information Specialist Terrilyn Amorin. “We appreciate the continued support from Tanaka Hardware Store to help bring awareness to leak detection, and encourage other businesses to contact the Department of Water for the free toilet tablets.”
The most common leaks found in the average home come from worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and leaking pipe valves, the DOW said. Undetected leaks can result in an increase on monthly water bills if not checked and repaired as quickly as possible.
To use the toilet tablets for a 10-minute test, simply drop a dye tablet, or a few drops of food coloring, into the toilet tank and wait for 10 minutes. If the color shows up in the toilet bowl, there is a leak that could probably be fixed by replacing a worn toilet flapper. Flush the toilet to remove any dye in the bowl.
Other 10-minute tasks to conserve water include checking for leaks, indoors by looking for dripping faucets, showerheads, and listening for running toilets. Outdoors, check irrigation systems, sprinklers, and spigots or hose bibbs.
If discovered, simply twist and tighten faucets, showerheads, hose and bibb connections to stop the drips. To save more water, the DOW suggests twisting a WaterSense labeled aerator onto the bathroom faucet.
If the toilet keeps running long after a flush, you might need to replace a worn toilet flapper, or adjust the rubber ball attached to a chain in the toilet tank.
For more information about Fix A Leak Week, and other leak detection tips from the EPA WaterSense program, visit www.epa.gov/watersense.
