Toilets can waste a lot of water through leaky tank fill valves and flapper flush valves. To check the toilet for leaks put some blue food coloring in the toilet tank, wait a few minutes, and check the bowl. If the blue coloring shows up in the bowl, you have a leaky flapper flush valve or tank fill valve. Start with the replacement of the flapper flush valve. If the toilet tank fill valve still runs after the flapper flush valve is changed, it will need to be changed as well.
Replacing these valves is something you can do yourself. The repair parts will cost less than $20 at a home improvement store. If you find both the tank fill valve and flapper flush valve need to be replaced, a toilet repair kit containing both valves will cost less than $30. Hiring a plumber for this repair will cost you well over $100.
The tank fill valve and flapper flush valve come with detailed installation instructions that are easily followed. By doing these repairs, you'll bring your toilet back into tip-top working order, will save water, and cut down on the cost of your monthly bill.
