The Wellesley Water & Sewer Division wants you to check your home for water leaks. These leaks can be undetectable to the eye but can drive up water bills and waste gallons of water.
From March 17 through May 17, 2025 the public can pick up water leak detection tablets to use in home toilets as part of the DPW’s leak detection initiative.
The tablets are free and available at the DPW Engineering desk (20 Municipal Way), Wellesley MLP lobby (4 Municipal Way), Tolles Parsons Center (500 Washington Street), Wellesley Free Library main branch lobby (530 Washington Street), and at the RDF Refundable Bottle & Can shed (169 Great Plain Avenue).
Each tablet pack comes with two leak detection tablets and test instructions. Results are available in 15 minutes. If blue dye appears, there is a toilet leak.
Common sources of toilet leaks are:
- Deteriorated or corroded flapper valve and valve seat
- Improperly working flushing arm and lift chain
- Toilet tank water level is too high
- Corroded float rod, ballcock and/or float ball
In some instances, these issues can be fixed by homeowners, while other issues may require a plumber.
While the leak detection tablets are specifically used to check for toilet leaks, homeowners can use the DPW’s Water Customer Portal to check for and monitor other potential water leaks resulting from damaged sprinklers, cracked pipes, or other issues.
To learn more, visit the Water Customer Portal webpages.
Fix-a-Leak-Week is March 17-23
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 10 percent of homes have leaks that can waste 90 gallons or more per day - enough to fill 1,440 glasses of water. Household leaks not only can waste a tremendous amount of water, they also can damage your home and garden.
During Fix-a-Leak Week, get your leak detection tablets and take part in other DPW Water& Sewer activities.
For tips, be sure to follow the DPW on Twitter @wellesleydpw, Instagram @dpw.wellesley, and Facebook @Wellesley DPW and learn how to detect and chase down water leaks.