Hicksville Water District Provides Tips to Combat “Phantom Flushing” Toilets

February 18, 2015

The Hicksville Water District Board of Commissioners reminds homeowners abnormally high water bills are typically caused by water wasted due to internal plumbing issues. A resident’s or business owner’s water bill may increase due to “phantom flushing” of toilets, characteristically caused by a worn-out or defective flapper causing a gradual leak from the toilet’s reservoir tank into the toilet bowl. A flapper is a rubber cover located at the bottom of the storage tank.

“Residents must pay close attention if their toilets are intermittently flushing when not in use in an effort to avoid an unexpected increase in water bills,” said Commissioner Karl M. Schweitzer. “Hundreds, or even thousands of gallons of water can be used in a relatively short period of time due to just a small leak.”

Residents and business owners in Hicksville can make an appointment to have District personnel read their water meter to investigate a possible leak at no additional cost. If a leak is detected, the District will provide customers with a dye tablet test packet with instructions on how to check their toilets. Hicksville Water District customers are advised to place the tablets into the toilet tank. If the water in the toilet bowl changes color, then a leak is confirmed and the flapper will most likely need to be replaced.

The Hicksville Water District highly recommends residents and business owners contact a certified plumber to correct the issue, or verify with a plumbing expert they purchased the correct size flapper for their toilet and follow the toilet manufacturer instruction manual should they choose to install the flapper themselves.

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