A Leaky Toilet: The True Cost On Your Wallet and Your Home

A leaky toilet might seem like a minor inconvenience, but over time, it can add up to a significant expense. In fact, a leaking toilet can waste a tremendous amount of water, increasing your water bill and potentially causing damage to your home.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily. That’s over 6,000 gallons of water per month! This water waste can add up quickly, leading to a higher water bill each month.

Assuming an average cost of $0.005 per gallon of water (according to the USGS), a leaky toilet that wastes 200 gallons per day can cost you an additional $30 per month on your water bill. This might not seem like a significant amount, but over the course of a year, that’s an additional $360 that you could have saved. Hmm, what else could you do with that $360?

In addition to the direct cost of wasted water, a leaky toilet can also cause damage to your home. Water that leaks from a toilet can seep into flooring, walls, and other materials, leading to mold growth and damage to your home’s structure. Repairing this damage can be expensive and time-consuming.

Furthermore, a leaky toilet can significantly impact your community’s water supply during drought or water restrictions. Conserving water is an important responsibility we all share, and fixing a leaky toilet is a simple way to do your part.

5 Main Causes of a Leaky Toilet:

1. Worn-out flapper: The flapper is the rubber seal that sits at the bottom of the tank and allows water to flow into the bowl. If it becomes worn or damaged, water can leak through, causing the toilet to run constantly.
2. Faulty fill valve: The fill valve controls water flow into the tank. If it becomes damaged or worn out, it may not shut off properly, leading to an overflowing tank and leaky toilet.
3. Loose or damaged flush valve: The flush valve is the mechanism that releases water from the tank into the bowl when you flush. If it becomes damaged or doesn’t seal properly, water can leak into the bowl, causing the toilet to run.
4. Cracked tank or bowl: If the toilet tank or bowl becomes cracked, water can leak out and cause a constant trickle or even a gush of water.
5. Loose or damaged water supply line: The water supply line connects the toilet to the water supply. It can cause leaks at the connection point if it becomes loose or damaged.

Overall, a leaky toilet can cost you more than you might think. Between the direct cost of wasted water, potential damage to your home, and impact on your community’s water supply, it’s important to address a leaky toilet as soon as possible. If you suspect that your toilet is leaking, don’t wait to have it repaired. The cost savings and peace of mind are well worth it.

A toilet can last for 50 years or more with proper care and maintenance. However, if a toilet is subjected to frequent clogs, harsh chemicals, or other forms of abuse, its life span may be shortened. It’s important to perform regular maintenance on your toilet, such as cleaning it regularly, checking for leaks, and replacing worn-out parts as needed to help prolong its life span.

If you need maintenance on your old toilet, we are here to help. And if it’s time to replace it with a new, more comfortable modern toilet, Frasier’s plumbers can help you determine the best option for you and your needs.