Do you ever use food coloring in the toilet tank to check for slow leaks? That’s one of those old-school tricks my dad swore by, and it’s actually caught a couple sneaky leaks for me.
That food coloring trick is gold—saves water and money over time. I do a quick “touch and sniff” check under every sink and around toilets every few months. If you’ve got rentals, it’s worth teaching tenants to spot leaks early too. Honestly, I’d rather catch a $5 flapper issue than get surprised by a $500 water bill... or worse, drywall repair.
That’s a solid routine—catching leaks early really does save a ton of hassle down the line. I’ve seen folks ignore a tiny drip, thinking it’s nothing, and then months later they’re dealing with warped cabinets or mold. Teaching tenants to spot issues is smart, too. Sometimes people just don’t realize how fast a small leak can turn into a big headache. That food coloring trick is old-school but still one of the best for toilets... simple and effective.
- Had a rental once where a slow drip under the sink turned into a full-blown cabinet replacement job. Not fun, not cheap.
- I always check under sinks and behind toilets every few months. Takes five minutes, saves hundreds.
- Food coloring in the tank is old-school, but it works—caught a silent leak last year that would've run up my water bill.
- Honestly, most folks can handle basic checks themselves. Only call a pro if you see something you can't fix or if it's a recurring issue.
- Teaching tenants or family what to look for is half the battle... most people just don't know what "normal" looks like under there.
- Totally agree, a quick peek under the sink or behind the toilet is worth its weight in gold.
- I’d add: run your hand along pipes for dampness, even if you don’t see a drip. Sometimes it’s just condensation, but sometimes it’s not...
- Learned the hard way that ignoring that “musty” smell under the bathroom vanity was a mistake—turned out to be a super slow leak.
- Food coloring trick is classic. I usually do it once a year, just in case.
- Not sure everyone should skip the pro, though. If you’re not comfortable tightening fittings or replacing a wax ring, it’s probably better to call someone before it gets worse.
- Teaching folks what “normal” looks like is huge. Most people just see pipes and hope for the best.
Home plumbing checkups: DIY checklist or pro inspection?
- That “musty” smell under the vanity is such a red flag. I ignored one in my old place for months, chalked it up to humidity, and ended up with warped cabinets and a moldy mess. Lesson learned—if it smells off, something’s probably up.
- Running your hand along the pipes is underrated. I’ve caught a couple of tiny leaks that way, just from feeling a bit of coolness or moisture where there shouldn’t be any. Sometimes it’s just condensation, but if it keeps coming back in the same spot, that’s usually not a good sign.
- The food coloring trick is genius for toilets. I do it every spring when I’m already in cleaning mode. It’s wild how often you’ll find a slow leak you’d never notice otherwise.
- On the pro vs DIY thing—I’m all for tackling basic checks yourself, but I agree with not pushing your luck if you’re not sure what you’re doing. Swapping out a faucet washer? Sure. Messing with the wax ring or anything involving cutting pipes? That’s where I draw the line and call someone who knows what they’re doing.
- One thing I’d add: check your water meter before and after a couple hours of no water use (overnight works). If it moves at all, you’ve probably got a hidden leak somewhere. Saved me from a nasty surprise once when my bill spiked for no obvious reason.
- Teaching people what “normal” looks like is huge. Most folks just see pipes and hope for the best (guilty as charged until recently). Once you know what to look for—like corrosion around joints or weird noises—you start catching stuff early.
- Not everyone has the time or interest to get into the nitty gritty, though. If poking around under sinks isn’t your thing, there’s no shame in having someone come out once every year or two just to give everything a once-over.
Honestly, even if you’re handy, sometimes peace of mind is worth the cost of an inspection... especially in older houses where surprises seem to lurk behind every wall.
