If you’re like most people, you probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about your toilet. It’s a comfy seat that you have to visit once in a while, but other than that, it’s out of sight, out of mind.

But what if your toilet wants more out of life? What if it’s tired of being nothing but a pretty piece of porcelain? What if it wants to make the world a greener place?

All it needs is a little eco-makeover. Ready to transform your toilet’s life?

Just Dye It

No, not hair. Your toilet water.

Toilet leaks are one of the most common sources of water waste. They’re tricky to detect and often occur when parts are worn out and need replacing or adjusting.

To check for a leak, plop a dye tablet or some food colouring in your toilet tank. (Here in Victoria BC, you can get a free CRD dye tablet by calling 250.474.9684). Wait 15 minutes, then check the water in your toilet bowl. Is the water coloured? You have a leak and should call a plumber.

Stop Running

This probably goes against everything you’ve ever been told, but toilets aren’t like human bodies. A running toilet is an unhealthy toilet!

A running toilet gobbles up water (and drives you bonkers). According to the CRD, a toilet that continues to run after flushing can waste up to 40 litres of water an hour. That’s 350,000 litres per year—enough to fill a swimming pool. And if you ignore the problem, it could cost you up to $556 per year. See? Lazy toilets are good and green!

Watch What They Eat

Even toilets need a healthy diet! Our toilets and sewage systems deal with a lot more than human waste. In our quest to have the cleanest toilet on the block, they become a dumping ground (pardon the pun) for all sorts of nasty chemicals. Remember, all drains lead to the ocean!

So, never flush away hazardous wastes. That includes conventional cleaning products (choose eco-friendly alternatives), deodorizers, cosmetics, medications, supplements and Barbie shoes.

Take a Time Out

Having a moment to one’s self is a great way to restore a healthy body and mind. Humans, toilets, ecosystems...we all need a breather.

So the next time you’re thinking of throwing a Kleenex in the toilet and flushing it away, reconsider what you’re about to do. Put the Kleenex in the trash can and walk away. Unnecessary flushing of the toilet even once a day can waste up to 1,000 litres of water a year.

Go big or go home

If you really want your toilet to join the ranks of the eco-elite, consider switching it out for a water-saving design. You’ll save up to 30,000 litres of water a year! Give us a call and we can help you out.

Just don’t forget to recycle your old toilet. Here’s where you can take it in Victoria BC.

Image courtesy of Lee Bennett.

The post Lean, Green, Flushing Machine: How to Give Your Toilet an Eco-Makeover appeared first on Wade Roberts Plumbing Victoria BC.