​Want to save water and money in multifamily buildings? Fix the toilets!

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Text that says “Toilet Leak detection Dye Tablets” with a graphic of a light blue water drop wearing sunglasses and dropping a leak detection tablet in the toilet
Toilet leaks can be expensive, but we can help you find and fix the leaks to save you money on your water/sewer bill.
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Toilet leaks can get expensive fast! 

Toilets are the most common place to find water leaks. A toilet leak can consume as much as 5,000 gallons per day! Based on more than two-decades of providing water assessments for multifamily water customers, large multifamily property will often have 25% of their toilets leaking.  One local multifamily property we recently worked with reduced water use by 12,500 gallons per day by repairing malfunctioning toilets. These simple repairs saved them about $9,000 per month in sewer and water utility charges! Toilet leaks are frustrating because it’s hard to catch them in action. 

Common toilet problems 

  • Tank water level is too high: It should be about ½ inch below the overfill pipe.  

  • Flapper leaks: Flappers are typically guaranteed for only five years and should be replaced on a regular schedule. Check for toilet leaks every 6 to 12 months.  

Let us help! Free water-saving resources for multi-family properties 

  • Water use analysis: If water use seems high, our water efficiency staff can temporarily monitor water use 24 hours a day which can help identify water leaks or inefficiencies. 

  • Doorhangers: Remind tenants to check for and report any water leaks to property management 

  • Dye tablets: Order free dye tablets to check for toilet leaks and we’ll mail them out to you! 

  • Get a $50 toilet rebate for up to 50 replacements: If you have older toilets, consider replacing them with WaterSense labeled toilets that use 1.28 gallons per flush or less. Multifamily properties can apply for a $50 rebate per toilet, up to 50 toilets per account. 

Our Water Efficiency Program is here to help: 503-823-4527 or conserve@portlandoregon.gov