 | | February 11, 2026 |  |
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| If you've ever attempted to figure out if your toilet is leaking, you know how difficult it can be to diagnose with the naked eye. But ignoring the problem leads to wasted water and higher utility bills, which is why you want to address it as soon as possible. Fortunately, a common pantry staple can help you do just that. Here's how a few drops of food dye can solve this bathroom headache. |
 | | Credit: Pixel-Shot/ Adobe Stock |
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| First, grab a bottle of liquid food coloring. Opt for a darker shade like blue or green rather than yellow, which can be difficult to see against the white bowl. It's also worth noting that red dye can sometimes stain older or worn porcelain, so stick to blue or green if you want to play it safe. |
| After removing the toilet tank lid, squeeze 10 to 15 drops of food coloring directly into the tank water. It's important to put these drops into the tank, not the bowl. Doing the latter will invalidate the experiment before it even begins. |
| Let the dye sit for 20 minutes before checking the toilet bowl. If the water has changed from clear to tinted, your toilet probably has a leak. This means that the flapper valve inside the tank — which is meant to create a tight seal that keeps water from draining into the bowl — likely needs replacing. If the water in the bowl stays clear, however, your flapper is working correctly and there's no cause for concern. |
| If you've identified a leak, the next step is to replace the flapper valve. Flappers typically come in 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch sizes, so consult the owner's manual to determine which fit is right for your toilet. These parts cost about $10 each and are easy to replace yourself — installation takes only a few minutes. |
| Once the flapper has been replaced, repeat the food coloring test. Ideally, this will result in a clear toilet bowl, confirming that the leak has been resolved. If the dye still seeps through, however, you may need to contact a plumber for further assistance. |
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 | | Sttoraboks Garden Tool Organizer for Corner | | Are your garden tools cluttered in a corner or precariously leaning against a wall? This handy organizer prevents them from toppling over and keeps your shed, garage, or basement effortlessly tidy. It features 32 compartments and 14 hooks — ideal for long-handled equipment and smaller handheld tools. Plus, it supports up to 44 pounds and fits snugly into a corner to maximize floor space. — Kelsey Morrison, House Outlook Editor |
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 | | Bennett Kleinman | | Staff Writer |
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| Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Inbox Studio, covering topics for several brands including House Outlook and Better Report. He previously contributed to television programs such as "Late Show With David Letterman" and "Impractical Jokers," and digital publications like The Onion. Bennett is also a devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented. |
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