How to easily fix a leaking toilet? A must-have DIY guide for New Zealand families!

A leaking toilet isn't just annoying, it can also double your monthly water bill! Don't rush to pay a plumber—90% of leaking problems can be fixed yourself! This down-to-earth New Zealand repair guide will help you quickly resolve the issue and save hundreds of dollars!

Why is your toilet "wasting money"?

A leaking toilet is no small problem! You can waste enough water to take several showers a day, especially in areas like Auckland with water restrictions. This is literally flushing money down the drain! Common culprits include:

• A worn and deformed rubber flapper—accounting for 70% of leaks
• The water level in the inlet valve is set too high or a component is damaged
• A misaligned or aged float system
• Scale or corrosion on internal components

How Find the cause of leaks in 10 minutes!

[Money-Saving Diagnosis] Add a few drops of food coloring or ink to your toilet tank and let it sit for 20 minutes. If color appears in the bowl, it means you're wasting thousands of liters of water every day! Don't worry—90% of the time, the problem lies with the rubber water check valve. All it takes is a $15 part and 10 minutes to fix it yourself, saving you $200 in plumber visits!

Four Steps to a Cost-Effective Repair

1. Turn off the water supply and empty the water tank.
   → Locate the water inlet valve at the back of the toilet and tighten it clockwise.
   → Flush the toilet to empty any remaining water and soak up any remaining residue with an old towel.
2. Replacing the rubber water check valve (the simplest and most effective repair)
   → Remove the old valve (usually just remove the hook).
   → Take the old valve to Bunnings or Mitre 10 for a replacement.
   → Install the new valve, ensuring a tight seal.
3. Adjust the water level.
   → Locate the adjustment knob on the water inlet valve.
   → Adjust the water level to 2cm below the overflow pipe.
   → Test to see if the water is properly shut off.
4. Check and adjust the chain length.
   → Ensure the chain has 1-2 links of slack; it's neither too tight nor too loose.

Do it yourself in New Zealand and save water, worry, and money!

Is your toilet running day and night? Don't let your money go down the drain! Common toilet problems in New Zealand can be fixed yourself. A universal repair kit, available at your local hardware store for $20-$30, will fix most cases.

New Zealand Exclusive Tips:

• → Take a photo of the old part with your phone before purchasing it. Bunnings or Mitre 10 staff will be able to match it up in seconds.
• → Choose parts with a high Water Efficiency Label rating to earn a reputation for environmental protection while repairing your toilet.
• → Auckland households can save up to $50 per month on their water bills after a repair—enough to buy several cases of beer a year!

Repairing a toilet yourself is super simple: turn off the water valve → check the flapper → adjust the float → test for leaks. Done in half an hour, saving $200 on a visit!

Contact a professional plumber if you encounter any of the following situations:

• ✗ Leaks persist after replacing parts
• ✗ The water supply valve is damaged or won't shut off
• ✗ Leaks occur around the toilet base or floor
• ✗ The situation worsens after attempted repairs