The toilet is one of the largest water wasters in the home. By following a few easy safeguards, you can dramatically decrease the water guzzling habit of the average family toilet.

Plug the leaks. A leaky toilet - which may be silent and completely unnoticed - can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes. (Flush as soon as test is done, since food coloring may stain tank.)

Eliminate sticking levers. If the toilet lever frequently sticks in the flush position, it allows water to run constantly. Replace or adjust it.

Keep flushing to a minimum. Dispose of facial tissues, insects and other such waste in the trash rather than the toilet.

Improve toilet performance. If your home had its toilets installed more than 10 years ago, you may be flushing your money and conservation down the drain. Replacing an old toilet could automatically and permanently cut your home water consumption by 25% or more. Newer technology not only saves water, but can actually improve performance and work quietly.