Some leaks are visible as a small trickle running from the rim to the water in the bowl. How much can a running toilet increase your water bill? A running toilet can waste 4.5 gallons per minute, (that’s nearly 300 gallons per hour, or 6,480 gallons per day).
- 6,480 gallons X 30 days = 194,400 gallons per month
- 194,400 / 748 = 259 units
- Tier 3 water cost per unit is $ 1.87 (259 X $1.87 = $486 Dollars)
Simple toilet leak can waste up to 194,400 gallons per month and cost you around $486 dollars……Check your toilets monthly because a leak can start at any time!
If a toilet is occasionally turning on or off or sometimes running, water is somehow leaving the toilet tank. A simple test can help determine the cause of the leaking. Follow the steps below to pinpoint the cause.
- Select a time when the toilet can be turned off and left undisturbed for 6 – 8 hours.
- Flush the toilet and allow it to refill. Then turn off the water at the supply stop on the wall.
- Make a note or mark the water level in the tank and allow the toilet to sit undisturbed.
- After 6 – 8 hours, check the water level inside of the tank and determine your result below.
No Change in Water Level:
There is no leak occurring in the tank. Instead the fill valve, the part located on the left side of the tank, may have dirt or debris trapped inside causing it to constantly run. See Additional Resources below for a link to correcting this issue.
Water to Flapper or Canister Seal Level:
The flapper or seal is worn, causing water to leak from the tank into the bowl. Replacing the flapper or seal is recommended.
Water Completely Drained from Tank:
The gasket located at the bottom of the flush valve is worn, causing water to leak from the tank into the bowl. Replacing the flush valve gasket is recommended.
Water Level Slight Decrease to Half Empty:
The leak may be too slow for accurate results or there may be a crack in the plastic of the flush valve itself. Replacing the flush valve is recommended.
Please call your local plumbing professional to check/repair your toilet. And if you think it’s time to replace your toilet, be sure to check for rebates from your local water agency here.
