Toilet leaks are the most common and costly types of leaks,
because toilets represent the greatest water use in the home. Here are some easy ways to check for and fix a toilet leak:

1. Remove the top of the tank.
Find the overflow tube in the center of the tank. The water level should be approximately one inch below the top of the overflow. If the water is above the overflow, you probably have a continuous overflow leak. If the water is just at the top of the overflow, sprinkle some powder on the surface of the water near the overflow. If the powder disappears down the overflow, this also indicates a continuous overflow leak.

2. Wait 5 minutes after a flush.
Check the water in the bowl for ripples. Or perform a dye test: Simply put a few drops of food coloring or Kool Aid packet in the tank and check the bowl in one hour. If colored water is getting into the bowl, you have a leak due to improper seating. If you do not have food coloring or Kool Aid packet, contact the Utility Billing Office.

If your toilet is not the culprit, other leaks are not so easy to see and can cause you water bill to be high.

If you have a high water bill and the toilet seems to be operating properly:

- Check all faucets. Replace worn washers or defective fixtures.
- Check outside water taps to be sure they are turned off at the faucet.
- Check you water heater overflow pipe.
- Check a humidifier tank that has a miniature float are and an overflow.
- Check for an underground leak.

If these steps do not solve your problem, you may need to call a plumber.

If You Want Us To Investigate
In an effort to address high bills, we will check a residential property for possible leaks and recheck the meter reading.* You can arrange an investigation by calling 740-967-5951. We need you to be at the residence when we visit, or you can make arrangements for us to get inside.
After our investigation, if a billing adjustment is needed, the correction will appear on you next regular bill.

*Please note that this is a courtesy only; we are not responsible for plumbing beyond the street valve, nor are we obliged to investigate leaks in your plumbing or to offer advice on how to fix them. Village of Johnstown is not responsible for any damages or expenses resulting from actions taken or not taken in response to advice given by a Utility representatives.