How much does a leaking toilet cost in water?

Author: Blaze Jacobi  |  Last update: Thursday, February 19, 2026

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. Some leaks are visible as a small trickle running from the rim to the water in the bowl.

Can a leaking toilet increase the 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.

How much does a leaking toilet cost?

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.

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 dripping toilet cost?

A leaking toilet is hard to spot and could cost you around £50 a month if you're on a meter. Water trickling down the back of the toilet pan can be silent, so it is common for leaky loos to go unnoticed. They can waste around 200 to 400 litres of water a day, which is equivalent to flushing 50 to 100 times.

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

Can I fix leaking toilet myself?

If there's a toilet base leak where the tank connects to the toilet bowl, check the bolts that secure the tank to the bowl and tighten them if needed. If the bolts are tight and the leak persists, replace the bolts and the gasket between the tank and toilet base. Lastly, check for cracks in the tank.

How much will a plumber charge to replace a toilet?

The labor cost for installing a toilet can range from $150 to $450 on average, but it can increase based on the complexity of the job and local labor rates. The basic labor usually includes removing the old toilet, installing the new one, and connecting it to existing water and drain lines.

What is the most common reason for a leaky toilet?

An undetected toilet leak could waste as much as 5 gallons of water per minute. The most common toilet leak is caused by a deteriorated flush valve (flapper) at the bottom of the toilet tank.

How much does a toilet leak per hour?

A running toilet can use about 57.06 gallons of water per hour. This excessive water usage contributes to a substantial increase in your water meter readings and, consequently, your water bills.

How much does it cost to flush a toilet?

Furthermore, based on Department of Energy data, they calculated that the standard 1.6 gallon toilet costs 1.3 cents to flush. Since people flush about five times every day, the estimated cost of flushing the toilet is $24 per person per year.

Are toilet leaks covered by insurance?

If the source of the damage comes from inside your home, such as a water leak from plumbing , a broken pipe or overflowing appliance, you'll likely be covered by your homeowners insurance.

How urgent is a toilet leak?

Leaks occurring at the tank bolts or the toilet base where it meets the floor are more likely to require emergency service. These leaks allow water to spread to places it doesn't belong, behind walls or under floors. Leaking toilets can promote mold growth and damage structures.

How much does a leaking toilet cost to fix?

On average, toilet repairs cost $271, with most homeowners paying between $150 and $391. The type of problem, toilet parts, and labor are key cost factors. Leaks and clogs are some of the most common toilet problems. In most cases, toilet repairs are more affordable than a full replacement.

Why is my water sewer bill so high?

The most common source of abnormally high water/sewer bills is leaky plumbing inside the property. More often than not, the source of that leak is a toilet. Did you know that a toilet constantly leaking at only ¼ gallon per minute can cost you as much as $350 over a 3-month billing cycle?

How much water is lost with a leaking toilet?

The EPA reports that an average leaking toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water every day. You can calculate the water waste with this drip calculator from the American Water Works Association.

Can a leaking toilet cause high 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.

Do plumbers fix toilet leaks?

A plumber can adequately diagnose and resolve the issue. If you try a DIY fix and the leak persists, call a professional plumber for a long-term solution and home protection.

How much does it cost for a toilet to run all day?

The worst case is a large leak, where your toilet operates a constant flow of water, spending up to 4,000 gallons and adding a potential $53 to your bill every day.

Is a toilet leak serious?

Whether your toilet is leaking at the base or toilet water is leaking into the bowl, if you don't get the problem fixed asap, it can cause significant damage to your home.

How much does it cost to replace a toilet?

How much does it cost to replace a toilet? Replacing a toilet costs between $275 and $480 in most cases, and the average cost sits around $375. This includes removing the old toilet and installing the new toilet.

Is it cheaper to fix a toilet or replace it?

Some problems require expensive, complicated repairs. If you encounter these issues frequently, scheduling a replacement will most likely be the most cost-effective solution, as you can save money.

How long should it take a plumber to replace a toilet?

A toilet installation can take between 1 and 4 hours, although this may vary according to your expertise, experience, and the kind of toilet. We always recommend that you hire a reliable plumber for this kind of project because it is quite complex.

Should I call a plumber to replace a toilet?

A licensed plumber will ensure your new toilet is properly hooked up and the plumbing lines are in good shape. A plumber can also perform any major repairs, such as drainpipe replacement. If the floor or wall sustains any damage during the installation, you'll want to bring in a flooring and drywall contractor.

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