Is My Running Toilet Costing Me Money?

A running toilet is not only an annoyance – the sound at night can be as troubling as a mosquito buzzing your bed -- but also a potential money drain.

“Toilets are by far the main source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of an average home’s indoor water consumption,” explains the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Household leaks can waste 180 gallons per week. Toilets are often the culprit.”

Those 180 gallons are not just flushing water down the drain, but putting a strain on Americans' budgets with combined water and sewer bills for a typical U.S. household increasing a whopping 54.8 percent since 2012, according to the Annual Utility Rate Index.

“While the reasons for rate increases vary city by city, many have been in response to rising costs (i.e., inflation, labor) for ongoing system operations and maintenance, along with large capital investments to address aging infrastructure,” Charlie Suse, Senior Analyst at Bluefield Research, told WaterWorld. “Across the board, higher costs for labor, chemicals, and materials have been among the most cited reasons for water utility rate increases."

And that 180-gallon figure is for leaks … for a continuously running toilet, some municipalities estimate anywhere between 1,000 and 5,000 gallons of water can escape per day!

So, that running toilet is costing you money … you are going to want to catch it!

Let’s look closer at the mechanics of modern toilets, why they may "run," and how this issue can cost you money. We'll also discuss the different reasons behind a running toilet and the solutions to fix it. Finally, we'll cover the importance of plumbing maintenance around your home to prevent issues like running toilets.

The Modern Toilet and Water Usage

Modern toilets are designed to be more efficient than older models, using less water per flush.

While older toilets can use up to 7 gallons per flush, modern toilets typically use around 1.6 gallons or less. This is a significant improvement in water conservation, especially considering that toilets account for nearly 30 percent of a home's indoor water usage.

And today’s “low flow” toilets are not the dreaded early models that consumers detested.

“The former “low flow” toilets of the 1990s were sometimes associated with performance issues (e.g., double flushing) and poor user satisfaction. However, manufacturers have worked diligently since that time to redesign and reengineer their products to achieve both efficiency and performance,” says the EPA.

However, when a toilet is "running," it means that water is continuously flowing from the tank into the bowl, even when not in use. This constant flow of water can waste a considerable amount of this precious resource and lead to higher water bills.

Why Your Toilet May Be Running:

There are several reasons why your toilet may be running, including:

• Faulty Flapper: The flapper is the rubber seal that covers the flush valve and allows water to flow from the tank into the bowl. If the flapper is worn out or not sealed properly, water will continue to leak into the bowl.
  
  
• Incorrectly Adjusted Float: The float is the device that signals the fill valve to shut off when the tank is full. If the float is set too high, water will continue to flow into the tank, causing it to run.
  
  
• Damaged Fill Valve: The fill valve controls the water flow into the tank. If it's damaged or not functioning properly, water may continue to flow, causing the toilet to run.
  
  
• Leaky Flush Valve: If the flush valve is not sealing properly, water will continue to leak from the tank into the bowl.
  
  

Solutions to a Running Toilet

Fortunately, most running toilet issues can be fixed relatively easily. Here are some solutions:

• Replace the Flapper: If the flapper is worn out or not sealing properly, replacing it is a simple and inexpensive solution.
  
  
• Adjust the Float: If the float is set too high, adjust it so that it shuts off the fill valve when the tank is full.
  
  
• Replace the Fill Valve: If the fill valve is damaged or not functioning properly, replacing it can solve the issue.
  
  
• Fix or Replace the Flush Valve: If the flush valve is leaking, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
  
  

Plumbing Maintenance: Save Money with These Tips

Regular plumbing maintenance can help prevent issues like running toilets and save you money in the long run. Here are some tips:

• Check for Leaks Regularly: Inspect your toilets, faucets, and pipes for any signs of leaks and have them repaired promptly.
  
  
• Replace Worn-Out Parts: Over time, toilet parts like flappers and fill valves can wear out. Replace them before they start causing problems.
  
  
• Don't Flush Foreign Objects: Avoid flushing items like wipes, tissues, or other objects that can clog your pipes and cause issues.
  
  
• Schedule a Yearly Check-up with a Reputable Plumbing Pro: Having a professional plumber, such as Pilot Plumbing, inspect your home's plumbing system annually can help catch potential problems early and prevent costly repairs.

Don't Flush Your Hard-Earned Money Down the Drain

A running toilet may seem like a minor issue, but it can waste a significant amount of water and cost you money.

You don’t want to be the shocked landlord that received an $18,000 water bill after one of their tenants had a running toilet.

By understanding the reasons behind a running toilet and implementing the appropriate solutions, you can save water and keep your plumbing system functioning properly.

Remember to practice regular plumbing maintenance and schedule a yearly check-up with a trusted plumbing professional to prevent issues and ensure the longevity of your home's plumbing system.

Reach out to Pilot Plumbing today in the North Houston and greater Montgomery County area for your residential, commercial, and multi-family plumbing needs.