Have you ever experienced the frustration of a perpetually running toilet? The sound of running water when no one is using it can be not only annoying but also a potential sign of underlying issues. We’ve all been therejiggling the toilet handle to try to get the toilet to stop running.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of plumbing mysteries to uncover the common causes behind a persistently running toilet.
From simple fixes to more complex problems, let’s ask a plumber and unravel the reasons behind the vexing question: ‘Why is my toilet constantly running?
What could be causing my toilet to run constantly?
There are three operating parts to a toilet and any of the three could cause a toilet to be running every few minutes or constantly.
1. The Flapper
The part that most commonly fails is called the flapper found inside of the toilet tank. It is a rubber seal at the base of the tank of the toilet. Anything that is made of rubber and is submerged under water for three to five years is eventually going to wear out. St Paul Pipeworks generally starts by replacing the toilet flapper.
If you are trying to replace the flapper yourself, bring in the worn out one to the store with you because the are about thirty different varieties and you will want to get one that is as close as possible to the original.
2. The Trip Lever
The second part is the handle that you press down to flush the toilet, called the trip lever. It can get hung up. There is usually a chain or some device attached to the trip lever inside the tank that lifts the flapper.
It can get misaligned and hold the flapper up causing the toilet to run continuously. Trip levers occasionally wear out or they are the wrong trip lever for that particular toilet.
3. The Fill Valve/Ballcock
The third part is called the fill valve, or the ballcock. The fill valve allows water to come in and refill the tank. It has a device in it that tells when the water should fill and when the water has reached the proper level.
If the fill valve gets stuck in the on position, the toilet will continue to run. When the mechanism inside of the fill valve gets worn out, we usually don’t repair them, we just replace them.
How much water can a running toilet waste in a day?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a running toilet can waste up to 25.7 gallons per day. This translates to approximately 180 gallons of wasted water per week. However, this is likely for minor leaks.
For more severe leaks, the water waste can be significantly higher. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety notes that a constantly running toilet is at greater risk of overflowing and causing substantial flooding damage. This implies that the water waste can be much more severe than the EPA’s estimate for minor leaks. In fact, a running toilet can waste about 57.06 gallons of water per hour.
This amounts to approximately 1,369 gallons per day for a continuously running toilet.These figures demonstrate that a running toilet can waste a considerable amount of water, ranging from about 26 gallons to over 1,300 gallons per day, depending on the severity of the leak.
To put this in perspective, the average residential customer in the U.S. typically uses between 80 and 100 gallons of water per day for all household activities. This means that a severely running toilet can waste more than 40 times the amount of water an average person uses daily.
How much does a running toilet cost?
Based on the available information, the average cost of a gallon of water for residential customers in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs varies, but generally falls between $0.00362 and $0.00993 per gallon.
Here’s a breakdown:
- In Minneapolis, the water rate is $3.76 per 748 gallons (1 unit), which equates to approximately $0.00503 per gallon.
- Saint Paul Regional Water Services charges $3.46 per 1,000 gallons for the first 7,000 gallons used, which is about $0.00346 per gallon.
- In Golden Valley, the rate is $7.43 per 1,000 gallons for up to 79,000 gallons used, translating to about $0.00743 per gallon.
- South St. Paul’s rate is $2.71 per 1,000 gallons for the first 7,000 gallons, which is approximately $0.00271 per gallon.
At just $0.005 per gallon, based on 57 gallons of loss per hour, a leaky toilet could easily cost you $6.84 per day, or $47.88 per week!
Don’t Ignore Your Running Toilet
A running toilet might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can lead to significant water wastage and increased utility bills if left unchecked. From faulty flappers to issues with the fill valve or even sediment build-up, identifying and addressing the root cause of a continuously running toilet is crucial. Not only does it save water, but it also prevents potential damage to the toilet and surrounding areas.
Remember, regular maintenance and prompt repairs can help prevent unnecessary water consumption, subsequently saving both the environment and your wallet from the impact of wasteful usage. So, if you notice your toilet persistently running, don’t delay – consult a plumber, diagnose the issue, and take proactive steps to conserve water and avoid the costly consequences of prolonged water wastage
If you are having a problem with a running toilet or are just looking for a quality plumber in the St. Paul and Minneapolis metro area, give St Paul Pipeworks a call today.
Yours Truly,
Matthew Dettwiler
Social Media Manager
FAQs about Running Toilets and Plumbing Solutions
Q: What could be causing my toilet to run constantly?
A: There are three main parts of a toilet that can lead to constant running:
- The Flapper: This rubber seal at the base of the tank commonly wears out and needs replacement after a few years submerged in water.
- The Trip Lever: Misalignment or wear can cause the lever to hold the flapper up, resulting in continuous running.
- The Fill Valve/Ballcock: When stuck in the on position or when its internal mechanism wears out, the fill valve causes the toilet to run persistently.
Q: How much water does a running toilet use?
A: A running toilet can waste between 30 to 4,320 gallons of water per day, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimating up to 180 gallons per week for minor leaks and some sources indicating that a continuously running toilet can waste up to 1,369 gallons daily.
Q: How do I replace the toilet flapper?
A: To replace the flapper, start by identifying the type needed. Take the worn-out flapper to the store to match it with a similar one among the various varieties available. Follow the instructions provided with the replacement part or seek professional assistance if unsure.
Q: Can a misaligned trip lever be fixed?
A: A misaligned or worn-out trip lever can cause the flapper to stay up, leading to constant running. Adjusting the chain or fixing the alignment issue can solve this problem. However, if the trip lever is damaged or incompatible, replacement might be necessary.
Q: What causes a fill valve to malfunction?
A: The fill valve regulates water intake into the tank and can malfunction due to wear or getting stuck in the on position. When the internal mechanism wears out, it’s often best to replace the fill valve rather than attempt a repair.
Q: Why is it crucial to address a running toilet promptly?
A: A running toilet may seem like a minor issue, but it can result in significant water wastage and higher utility bills if ignored. Identifying and resolving the underlying cause, whether a faulty flapper, trip lever, or fill valve, prevents unnecessary water consumption and potential damage to the toilet and surrounding areas.
If you’re experiencing issues with a running toilet or require a reliable plumber in the St. Paul and Minneapolis metro area, don’t hesitate to contact St Paul Pipeworks for professional assistance.
