Your toilet has been running for days, and you know you should address it, but you keep putting it off. You figure it can wait until the weekend. Unfortunately, your running toilet is more than just annoying background noise. Here’s why you should address it now—right after reading this article.
If your toilet tank is running longer than normal, you probably have a leak. Perhaps your flapper is not properly sealed, your fill valve is faulty, or something more serious is wrong that requires a new toilet altogether. If you’re uncertain about the cause of your running toilet, a licensed plumber can assess your issue.
So, what are the real consequences of waiting to repair a running toilet?
You’re wasting gallons of water
Toilet leaks waste a serious amount of water. Flushing the toilet already accounts for almost 30% of all home water usage, and a running toilet can lead to gallons more wasted. Inefficient toilets can use up to 6 gallons of water per flush. Which brings us to our next point…
You’re wasting money
If you’re toilet is wasting gallons of excess water, that means your water bills could skyrocket. Leaking toilets are often the reason for high water bills, and large leaks could cost you $10 a day or more depending on the severity of the leak. That’s roughly $300 a month that you could be wasting in water bills.
You may have a bigger issue brewing
A noisy tank may also accompany pooling water around the toilet’s base which can damage flooring and possibly lead to mildew or mold. In fact, water damage from plumbing leaks is a common homeowners insurance claim. The leaks may also signal an issue with sewage buildup or high-water pressure. A home's water pressure should be about 40-60 psi (pounds per square inch). Anything higher can cause excessive wear and tear on pipes, fittings, valves, and equipment.
If you have any of these concerns, call a local plumber who can investigate the root cause of your running toilet and identify a plan for the best solution. Find your Benjamin Franklin Plumbing expert today.
