Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Binnie Myles

Birmingham Water Works

205.244.4220

BWWB: Most high water bills caused by leaky toilets

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – January 13, 2009) The Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) knows high water bills are an inconvenience in today’s economic climate, but most high water bills are often caused by household leaks. The BWWB is offering tips on detecting these leaks, which will help lower customers’ water bills.

To state the obvious, water leaks cost money. However, most leaks are easy and inexpensive to fix. The problem is finding them.

BWWB officials said a high water bill is the first indication that you might have a leak. Most leaks come from the toilet. Water industry statistics show that about 20 percent of all toilets leak, and 90 percent of high water bills are caused by leaky toilets.

There are two approaches to finding and repairing leaks:

1.       Read Your Meter: You can determine if you have a leak by reading your water meter. Start by turning off all faucets and water-using appliances and make sure no one uses water during the testing period. If your water meter is still moving, you likely have a leak (take into account that hot water tanks and icemakers contribute to the moving meter).

2.       Check Toilet for Leaks: Check toilets for leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If after 15 minutes the dye shows up in the bowl, the toilet has a leak. You can also check toilet leaks by checking the flapper. Start by turning off the water tank, then flush the bowl to empty the tank. Once it’s empty touch the flapper with your hand. If residue the same color of as the flapper comes off on your hand, then you have a bad flapper. Leaky toilets can usually be repaired inexpensively by replacing the flapper.

Additional forms of leaks include leaky faucets, which waste dozens of gallons of water each day. Customers should check around the house periodically for leaks. Customers should go to the local hardware store for supplies and instructions.

BWWB officials said if customers still have a leak after trying these methods, they should check with their sewer provider.

Founded in 1951, the Birmingham Water Works Board serves more than 600,000 customers in Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, Walker and St. Clair counties. To learn more about the Birmingham Water Works Board, visit www.birminghamwaterworks.com.

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