February 08, 2016 According to the EPA, more than 1 TRILLION gallons of water are wasted each year due to household leaks. These leaks can increase a water bill by as much as 10 percent! That’s why Loudoun Water encourages homeowners to check their toilets for leaks regularly. The toilet flapper is located at the bottom of the tank and seals the tank drain until the handle is pushed. If the seal is not tight, leakage can occur, resulting in the toilet unexpectedly refilling or making running water sounds. To check if the toilet flapper is working properly, there are two tests you can do:Shred some toilet paper and toss it into the bowl. Flush the toilet and see if all the paper is gone. If it is not, then the flapper setting needs to be adjusted.Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank behind the bowl. Wait one hour before flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, the flapper is likely defective or leaking. For further information regarding how to replace the toilet flapper, consult your local hardware store. If you need to replace the toilet, visit EPA's WaterSense for a list of water efficient brands.