Your Guide to Water Conservation & Leak Reporting
Do you live in an apartment or suite with a private or semi-private restroom?
Detecting a toilet leak:
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Use the dye tablets provided by H&DS to test for a leaking toilet.
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Remove the toilet tank cover.
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Add a dye tablet (or ~5 drops of food coloring) into the tank.
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Wait 15 minutes (do not flush the toilet).
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If color appears in the toilet bowl, a leak is present and repairs must be made. In your maintenance request, be sure to specify that it is the flapper valve that is leaking.
Detecting a sink or shower leak:
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Signs of a leaking sink or shower:
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The faucet on your sink or shower continues to drip after turning it off
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Water is coming out of the handle or base of the faucet
Other problems to report:
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Shower or sink is hard to turn off
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Toilet flush is longer than 7 seconds
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Sitting water in the restroom
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Signs of mold or mildew
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Puddles at the base of washing machines or around the laundry room
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Leaking irrigation systems
Do you live in the dorms with a shared restroom?
Detecting a toilet leak:
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If you see water dripping into the bowl before use, or after flushing is completed, a leak is present & should be reported. In your maintenance request, be sure to specify that it is the flapper valve that is leaking.
Detecting a sink or shower leak:
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Signs of a leaking sink or shower:
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The faucet on your sink or shower continues to drip after turning it off
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Water is coming out of the handle or the base of the faucet
Other problems to report:
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Shower or sink is hard to turn off
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Toilet flush is longer than 7 seconds
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Sitting water in the restroom
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Signs of mold or mildew
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Puddles at the base of washing machines or around the laundry room
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Leaking irrigation system
Did you find a leak?
If you live in campus housing, submit a maintenance request at the QR Code
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For shared restrooms: be specific about which shower, sink, or toilet is leaking in the “*Request:” section of the Work Request form
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For toilet leaks found through the dye tablet test, be sure to specify that it is the flapper valve that is leaking.
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Be specific about the issue present.
If you live off-campus, contact your property management to request the leak be repaired – you’ll save water and some $$ on your utility bill!
- According to CA law, landlords must fix a leak in a reasonable amount of time after receiving written notice (up to 30 days for non-emergency repairs).
Water Conscious Tips!
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Shorten your showers, or turn the water off while soaping and shampooing.
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For those in off-campus housing, install a low-flow showerhead to increase your water pressure while decreasing the amount of water being used!
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Don’t let the water run while you brush your teeth
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Fill dishwashers and washing machines all the way before running a load
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Check for leaking appliances semi-regularly, and report any leaks you find
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Avoid using laundry detergent or dishwasher pods that release microplastics into the water system
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Refill your water bottle at the refill stations around campus
How to Report a Maintenance Issue:
1. Go to the Maintenance Website: maintenance.housing.berkeley.edu](https://maintenance.housing.berkeley.edu/?netid=1761654
2. Log In: Use your CalNet ID to sign in.
3. Select the Issue Location:
- Choose the specific dorm and room or bathroom where you noticed the issue.
4. Describe the Problem:
- Be as detailed as possible about what you observed (e.g., “There is a puddle forming near the sink in the 3rd-floor bathroom”).
5. Submit the Request:
- Once you’ve filled out all the fields, click “Submit.”
6. Check for Updates:
- You can revisit the website to track the status of your request.
If you need help or have questions, contact Housing Maintenance directly.
