Q. My dishwasher leaves a small puddle of water on the floor during operation. Does this mean it's time for a new one?

A. Not so fast... because more often than not, a leaky dishwasher is the result of a deteriorating rubber seal or gasket. And if this is the case, it's a quick, easy, and inexpensive fix.

Q. We recently moved into an older home and I'm concerned about water leaks. Aside from contacting a professional, how can we check?

A. As you probably know, the most effective way to prevent water damage and waste is to catch leaks right away. Put your system to the test by turning off your entire home water supply, including your outdoor spigots. Next, check the leak indicator on your meter register. If the leak indicator moves, water is running in your system. At this point, check all toilets and faucets, along with outdoor spouts, to determine where the leak originates. And since 90% of all home water leaks originate in the toilet, it's a good idea to start here... especially since this is also a costly leak. If you feel you have a leak, but are unsure where, contact a professional for a more thorough inspection.

Q. I've heard of low-water consumption toilets, but do they really make a difference?

A. Did you know that low-flow toilets can save you up to 30 gallons of water per day? ... That's one money-saving difference!

Q. Are there any sump-pumps that require little or no attention? With my hectic schedule I don't have time to worry about water getting into my basement.

A. Most sump pumps are installed at the lowest level of your basement, so when water enters, the pump automatically begins working. Keep in mind though, not all pumps shut off automatically when the drain is free of water, so choose one that is designed to. Nevertheless, it's not a bad idea to check on your system from time to time, though with a good system and proper installation, there's little cause for concern.