Toilets
Every time a toilet is flushed, between 1.6 and 7 gallons go
down the drain. Only the most modern low flush toilets use
1.6 gallons per flush and were installed per current
plumbing code after 1991. If your home is older and has not
been remodeled, your toilet uses 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush.
Toilets should not be used as trash cans to flush away
tissues, gum wrappers, cigarette butts, diapers, or anything
else that ought to go into a wastebasket or garbage can.
Most toilets use more water than is really necessary and
will work just as well with less. You can use a toilet dam,
or water filled plastic soap or laundry bottle in the tank
to save water. CAUTION: Don't place the bottles where they
will jam the flushing mechanism and don't displace so much
water that you have to double flush to get the toilet to
work.
Toilets are famous for their hidden leaks, and can
waste hundreds of gallons a day when undetected. Leaks occur
when the operating mechanism is out of adjustment or parts
are worn. Check for leaks periodically.
Most toilet leaks are at the overflow pipe or at the
plunger ball. If they are at the overflow pipe, then the
water level is too high. Gently bend the float arm downward
until the valve shuts off the water about 1/2” below the top
of the overflow pipe. Sometimes the valve is worn and must
be replaced. If you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer, you
can do the job; otherwise, call a plumber.
Plunger ball leaks
aren't as easy to spot. Place several drops of food
coloring, (or tablets made for this purpose and available
from the City's Water Utility) into the tank and wait to
see if the color appears in the bowl. If so, the plunger
ball needs to be realigned or replaced.
Showers
A brief shower can save water and a long shower can waste
it. A partially filled tub uses far less water than a long
shower; especially if your shower head is of an older
design and flows at 10 to 20 gallons per minute. Time
yourself the next time you take a shower. You can save water
by changing to modern low flow shower heads, showering for
shorter periods, or taking shallow tub baths.
Sinks
Don't leave the water running while brushing your teeth or
while shaving. Run the tap for as long as you need, then
turn it off until you need some more. Running water wastes a
precious resource and, if it is hot water, wastes energy,
too.
Kitchens
Dishwashers use about 12 gallons per load. Make sure the
washer is fully loaded before you turn it on. Don't wash
dishes in the sink with the water running. A sink full of
washwater and a sink full of rinse water will do the job
just as well. Don't let water run for a cold drink. Keep a
container of cold water in your refrigerator. When you wash
vegetables or prepare foods, use a sink stopper instead of
letting the water run. Install low flow faucet aerators.
Laundry
Most washing machines use 40 or more gallons per use,
regardless of load size. To save water, wash full loads or
remember to reset your machine to wash smaller loads.
Leaks
A slow drip can leak 15 to 20 gallons per day, while a 1/16
inch diameter leak can waste 100 gallons per day. Check your
faucets for leaks after firmly turning them off. Older
faucet leaks can be repaired by turning off the supply line
valve, disassembly, and replacing the washer. More modern
“washerless” faucets may need to have internal parts
replaced. If you are uncomfortable with this type of work,
contact a plumber.
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Stockton,
CA 
