The “how much does it cost to fix a running toilet” is an interesting question. It seems like a simple enough one, but the answer can vary depending on who you ask. In this post, we try to break it down for you so you can decide on which repairs to take.
Signs of A Running Toilet
The signs of a running toilet are pretty straightforwards. If you hear water running constantly in your bathroom, or if your toilet tank is refilling more frequently than it should be, you likely have a running toilet. In some cases, you may also see water leaking from the base of your toilet or from the supply line leading to your toilet. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to inspect the toilet and nearby plumbing for any noticeable issues you can repair.
The Cost Of Repairing A Running Toilet
Fixing or replacing a running toilet with a water tank can cost anywhere from $25 to $2500. That is not accounting for the labor, parts, and installation that may be involved in replacing yours! Save money by doing some research before you purchase your next toilet so that it does not end up running.
What Causes A Running Toilet?
Toilets run after they are flushed, but only up to a certain point. If they continue to run and run and run, then there may be an issue with the toilet or plumbing. The most common cause of a running toilet is a faulty flapper.
The flapper is the rubber seal that covers the hole at the bottom of the tank. When you flush the toilet, the flapper lifts up and allows water to flow from the tank into the bowl. Once the tank is empty, the flapper falls back down
Fixing or replacing a defective flapper or floater in your toilet’s water tank is usually a straightforward remedy. If none of these devices is the source of the flowing water, you’ll most likely need to replace your toilet entirely to remedy the issue.
A toilet with issues running may be tied to a larger plumbing problem in your home. A household plumbing inspection checklist can help, which you can see in this post.
The Real Cost of a Clogged Toilet
If your toilet is significantly leaking and wasting a lot of water, it’s time to replace it. It’ll save you money and help the environment. A running water toilet wastes hundreds of gallons of water every month, adding $200 (or more) to your monthly water bill unnecessarily—nearly $2,500 a year down your toilet bowl.
In the event of a major toilet leak, the scenario described above would apply. Your water bill won’t be as high as it would be if you had a major toilet leak, but it will be higher than usual. A modest toilet leak wastes roughly 6,000 gallons of water per month and may cost you an extra $70 per month, totaling $1,000 in waste each year.
You’ll learn how much a running toilet may cost you and the environment, as well as some basic advice on how to identify and repair a running toilet, in the sections below.
The Devastation Caused by a Running Toilet
A damaged sewage pipe may seem to be the primary cause of an increase in your water bill, but this is not the case. While sewage line damage contributes to increased water bills, a running toilet may waste a gallon of water in less than 30 seconds.
The EPA’s WaterSense Program states:
“Toilets are by far the most common source of water use in the home, accounting for over 30% of total indoor water usage in the typical home.” In many households, older, inefficient toilets that consume as much as 6 gallons every flush are a significant source of wasted water.”
Because there aren’t many visible symptoms that your toilet is running, the issue might go unnoticed for a long time, wasting hundreds of gallons of water until you notice it when your water bill comes.
You generally don’t think about toilet plumbing issues until you’re in need of a plunger, but a running toilet may waste hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in water each year. Running water in your toilet wastes around 25 times as much water as a shower leak and approximately 4 times as much water as a simple faucet leak.
Short-Term Fixes
Whether your toilet is running often or seldom, it is putting a strain on your budget and the environment. Repairing a running toilet as soon as possible reduces waste while also being economically and ecologically prudent.
Insert a few drops of food coloring into the tank and don’t flush for 20-30 minutes to see whether your toilet is leaking. Then, look in the toilet bowl to see if there is any color. If there is, you have a toilet that is leaking.
Once you’ve confirmed that your toilet is leaking, you’ll need to figure out what’s causing it: broken tank hardware or a serious toilet issue.
If the leak is caused by a malfunctioning flapper or floater, you may easily correct it by adjusting the hardware or purchasing and installing a new one (around $3) from your local home improvement shop. If the situation is more severe, you should get additional help from a professional plumber for toilet repair and replacement.
There may be larger issues related to your plumbing elsewhere in your home which can become quite expensive. To learn more, see How Much Does Installing New Plumbing Pipes Cost?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost if a toilet keeps running?
A: This depends on the type of toilet you have. Generally, a new toilet costs anywhere from $100-$600 dollars if you want to replace it.
How much does a running toilet cost per day?
A: The answer to this question is dependent on the quality of a running toilet and the cost of water. Water rates vary by region, so a running toilet could cost tens or hundreds of dollars extra per month in water fees.
If you don’t mind spending more, it may be worth purchasing one of the higher-end toilets that offer state-of-the-art technology like self-flushing and no emissions.
How much does a running toilet cost per hour?
A: You can find this by dividing the monthly water fee by 720 (30 days x 24 hours). This applies if the toilet runs 24 hours a day.
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