Will my water bill be high if my toilet keeps running?

Author: Verdie Mayer  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Toilet and faucet leaks The most common cause for a high-water bill is running water from your toilet. A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day or more depending on the volume flow down the drain.

How much does it cost if toilet keeps running?

Thus, a running toilet with a moderate continuous leak could land you with a monthly water bill that is $1,555 more than you expected. A large continuous leak could set you back about $3,110 in a month. As you can see, a simple toilet problem can cost big money if it's not addressed right away.

Does flushing the toilet make your water bill high?

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!

Is the landlord responsible for a high water bill due to running a toilet?

Landlords have a responsibility to keep renters' toilets in good working order. Faulty parts can run up a tenant's water bill in no time, or dramatically increase expenses on a rental if water is included. Often, toilets leak because of a worn out flapper (sometimes called a “valve seal”).

Can a running toilet increase the electric bill?

  • If your water comes from a municipality, then flushing your toilet will not cause your electric bill to change.
  • If your water comes from a well that uses an electric pump then flushing less saves on electricity.

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

Can a running toilet double 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.

What runs your electric bill up the most?

What costs the most on your electric bill? Heating and cooling are by far the greatest energy users in the home, making up around 40% of your electric bill. Other big users are washers, dryers, ovens, and stoves. Electronic devices like laptops and TVs are usually pretty cheap to run, but of course, it can all add up.

How much water can a running toilet use in an 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.

Why is my water bill so high in an apartment?

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.

Does a running toilet increase sewer bill on Reddit?

Running toilets can cause MASSIVE spikes in usage - 100x normal usage or more.

How much will running toilet increase water bill?

Left unnoticed, a running toilet could waste over 6,000 gallons per month. Depending on the rate you pay for water and sewer, this could cost as much as $70 per month!

Why is my toilet constantly running?

The three main causes of a running toilet are flush valve issues, overflow tube problems, and fill valve malfunctions.

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 it OK to leave a toilet running?

Like a slowly dripping faucet, a running toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water each day. Worse yet, the issue is, more often than not, indicative of a much larger problem. If your toilet keeps running or is overflowing, contact a plumbing company immediately and schedule running toilet repair services.

How much can a running toilet cost you a month?

Typically, a running water toilet will waste thousands of gallons of water per month which translates to approximately $200 unnecessarily tacked onto your monthly water bill-- that's nearly $2,500 dollars a year down your toilet bowl. The above scenario is in the case of an extreme toilet leak.

How much does a plumber charge to fix a leaking toilet?

Leaky Toilet: Expect to pay $100–$600 for leaky toilet repairs. Leaks happen where the toilet meets the floor, at the water supply valve, and between the bowl and tank. Clogged Toilet: Repairing a toilet clog costs $85–$600.

Can a running toilet cause a high water bill?

The most common cause for a high water bill is running water from your toilet. 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.

Why is my water bill $400?

Leaks, whether unseen or unfixed, can waste hundreds and even thousands of gallons of water. It is important to routinely check your plumbing and home for leaky faucets, toilets, and outside taps and irrigation lines. The most common cause for a high water bill is running water from your toilet.

Does a running toilet affect the electric bill?

If you live in an apartment or condo, a running toilet may also cause your electric bill to go up. This is because some apartments and condos add a little hot water to the toilet tank to prevent condensation on the tank.

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.

Does a constantly running toilet waste water?

Research from WaterSafe and Wessex Water reveals that a constantly leaking toilet can waste between 200 to 400 litres of water every day. This is equivalent to an additional £300 to £400 on your annual water bill.

What would cause my electric bill to spike?

Greater Use of Home & Devices

Working from home increases energy usage. You may run your air conditioner more or keep your heat higher to be comfortable. Your computer, printer and other electronics will draw energy all day. You may need brighter lighting, too.

What utility bill is usually the highest?

Key takeaways
  • The average American household pays $6,888 in utility bills per year, including for cell phone and internet services, electricity, gas and water.
  • The most expensive utility is cell phone service, at $1,844 per year, followed by electricity at $1,644 per year.

What appliances use electricity even when turned off?

Any appliance with an LCD, light, or clock, such as your DVD or DVR player, cable box, television, or microwave, consumes electricity even when turned off. Sleep or standby power mode devices are never entirely turned off; instead, they go into standby mode.

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