 toilet leaks toilet leaks 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 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 you can check your toilet for leaks by removing the tank lid dropping one dye tablet or 10 drops of food coloring into the tank dye tablets are often available for free through local water providers put the lid back on do not flush wait at least 1015 minutes and then look in the bowl if you see colored water you have a leak if not you don t identifying common toilet leaks many toilet leaks can be detected and fixed by a doityourself plumber but know your limitations and don t hesitate to call a plumber if you have any concerns about how to detect a leak or make a repair view our how to videos    indoor  