<p>[[{"fid":"322","view_mode":"default","type":"media","attributes":{"style":"float: left; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;","alt":"watch our video that explains how to check your toilet for leaks","class":"adaptive-image media-element file-default"}}]]Water leaks account for approximately 14% of all water use in the average American home, and the toilet is one of the likeliest places to find them.</p><p>Sometimes it is easy to tell that your toilet is leaking - you hear the sound of running water or a faint hissing or trickling. But many times, water flows through the tank silently, which is why these leaks are often overlooked.</p><p><strong>See how to&nbsp;check your toilet for leaks <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iOntqeVGOU">here</a>.</strong></p><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>How to check your toilet for leaks:</h2><ol><li>Remove the toilet tank lid.</li><li>Drop one dye tablet or 10 drops of food coloring into the tank. (Dye tablets are often available for free through local <a href="/consortium-members">water providers</a>).</li><li>Put the lid back on. Do not flush.</li><li><p>Wait at least 10-15 minutes, and then look in the bowl. If you see colored water, you have a leak. If not, you don&#39;t.</p></li></ol><h2>Identifying Common Toilet Leaks</h2><p>Many toilet leaks can be detected and fixed by a do-it-yourself plumber.&nbsp; But, know your limitations - and don&#39;t hesitate to call a plumber if you have any concerns about how to detect a leak or make a repair.</p>