Can a leaking toilet cause high water bill?

Author: Belle Wunsch  |  Last update: Thursday, December 4, 2025

A leaky toilet can be a massive contributor to a high water bill. We have seen continuously running toilets use 20,000 to 30,000 gallons of water in a month. A dripping leak consumes 15 gallons per day and 450 gallons per month. A 1/32 inch leak consumes 264 gallons per day and 7,920 gallons per month.

Does a leaking toilet use a lot of water?

Research by the water industry has found that around 5 to 8% of our toilets are leaking water into the toilet pan . They are typically wasting between 215 and 400 litres of water a day so, with average consumption at 143 litres per person per day, it is like having a couple of relatives moving in to live with you!

How much can a leaking toilet cost you?

A small leak, which can be caused by tiny cracks or deterioration of toilet components like the flapper, can waste an extra 158 gallons a day. Based on current water rates, that adds $248 to your quarterly water bill. A larger leak can waste up to 3,370 gallons a day, adding more than $8,054 to your water bill!

Does flushing the toilet a lot increase the water bill?

A single flush costs just a fraction of a cent, so unless you're someone that makes a habit out of flushing the toilet on repeat, then there won't be much of an impact on your water bill. However, if there's an ongoing leak then you'll want to get it fixed right away, as you could end up footing an expensive bill!

Do I have to pay the water bill if there is a leak?

When you have a leak, promptly and properly repair the leak. This will put you in the best position to seek and receive a refund of the wasted water. Adjustments are typically made once the water authority can confirm that the leak has been repaired and consumption is back to normal.

Plumbing Pro Tip: High water bill? Could be a leaking toilet - here's how to test for a leak!

Can a leaky toilet run up your water bill?

A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day or more depending on the volume flow down the drain. This can cause a terrible increase to a family's typical water use, so fix toilet leaks as soon as possible. Some leaks are easy to find, such as a dripping faucet or running toilet.

Is water leak covered by home insurance?

Under most standard home insurance policies, if water damage occurs suddenly or accidentally from a source inside your home, such as a busted pipe, it will likely be covered by your homeowners insurance. If the water comes from outside your home, it will not be covered by your standard policy.

Why is my water bill $400?

An unusually high water bill is most often caused by a leak or change in water use. Some common causes of high water bills include: A leaking toilet, or a toilet that continues to run after being flushed, most common. A dripping faucet; a faucet drip can waster 20 gallons or more of water a day.

What happens if you have a leaky toilet?

High water bills are often caused by leaking toilets. Water can flow through an open fill valve at a rate of three to five gallons per minute—that's up to 4,000 gallons of water being wasted each day!

Does turning off the toilet water save money?

While everyone knows how annoying it can be to have your toilet constantly run, few people are aware that it may actually be costing them a great deal of money. Toilets that never stop running can lead to much higher water bills, which means this is a situation that you need to correct as soon as possible.

Is a leaking toilet pipe an emergency?

Your ability to control or stop the water flow may be limited, so an emergency service is required. Here are a few methods you can attempt to mitigate leaks if they are minor or as you wait for the plumber: Turning off the water supply valve behind the toilet.

Can you claim for a leaking toilet?

Water damage to your property is usually covered as a standard feature in your buildings insurance policy. Often referred to as 'escape of water' by insurers, it can be caused by several issues, from burst pipes due to freezing temperatures, to a leaking dishwasher or an overflowing blocked toilet.

What is the most common toilet leak?

The most common toilet leak is caused by a deteriorated flush valve (flapper) at the bottom of the toilet tank. If the flapper does not seat properly, water will leak into the toilet bowl. Often this leak will occur without being heard.

How much water is wasted with a leaking toilet?

The average leaky toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water per day. That's over 6,000 gallons a month ($70.06*) for just one leaking toilet! Some toilets may produce a running water sound that is easy to hear.

Should I turn off water if toilet is leaking?

If a homeowner discovers water behind the toilet, it's crucial to first turn off the water supply to the toilet by shutting the valve.

How much does a leaking toilet cost per month?

For minor toilet leaks, your water bill won't be as drastically high; however, it will be higher than normal. A moderate toilet leak will generally waste about 6,000 gallons of water per month and can cost you an additional $70 per month-- $1,000 per year in waste.

Can a leaking toilet increase the water bill?

A leaky toilet can be a massive contributor to a high water bill. We have seen continuously running toilets use 20,000 to 30,000 gallons of water in a month. A dripping leak consumes 15 gallons per day and 450 gallons per month. A 1/32 inch leak consumes 264 gallons per day and 7,920 gallons per month.

Can a plumber fix a leaky toilet?

Some of the ways a professional might address your leaking toilet includes: For loose or worn-out seals: A plumber will remove the existing seals from the base of your toilet and reapply new ones. For a damaged toilet tank: A professional can apply temporary toilet repair by applying putty and sealants.

Can a toilet flapper cause a high water bill?

Most water waste in a toilet is caused by a leaking flap- per or a faulty fill valve. An open fill valve can waste three to five gallons per minute or 3,600 gallons a day. WHAT CAUSES A TOILET LEAK? The flapper becomes warped or damaged and does not provide a watertight seal on the flush valve.

Why is my water bill so high with no leaks?

If your water usage is unchanged, your city hasn't implemented a rate hike, and you have a high water bill with no visible leaks, the problem may be that you have an issue with your water meter. This isn't a common problem, but it's also not unheard of. To test your water meter, turn off your water.

How to tell if a water meter is leaking?

You can determine whether you have a leak by shutting off all the water indoors and outdoors before checking your water meter. Movement on the leak detection gauge of your water meter, with all the water shut off, means you have a leak.

What uses the most water on your water bill?

The largest water users are the toilets, clothes washer and showers, accounting for about two‐thirds of the water used in an average household. Toilets use up to 27% of the household water supply while clothes washers use 20.9% and showers account for 17.3%.

Is toilet overflow covered by homeowners insurance?

Usually, yes. (Big sigh of relief, right?) In most cases, your home insurance policy will cover water damage that is caused by three types of appliance/plumbing problems: Overflow – when water flows beyond its available space (e.g. a washing machine, tub, or toilet)

Can I claim compensation for a water leak?

As a general rule, water damage is covered by home insurance if it is sudden or accidental.

How do I make a successful water leak insurance claim?

7 Tips when Filing a Home Insurance Claim for Water Damage
  1. Step 1: Determine the Source of the Water. ...
  2. Step 3: Call your Insurance Agent. ...
  3. Step 4: Get the water and moisture professionally removed. ...
  4. Step 5: Determine if you can remain in your home. ...
  5. Step 6: Take photos of the damaged area. ...
  6. Step 7: Contact an Adjuster or Lawyer.

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