A running toilet might seem like a small nuisance—just an annoying sound in the background. But what if that constant trickle of water was quietly draining your wallet? Ignoring a running toilet isn’t just about the noise; it’s about wasted water, higher utility bills, and even potential damage to your home. The longer it goes unchecked, the more costly the problem becomes.

How Much Water Does a Running Toilet Waste?

It might not look like much, but that slow, steady leak adds up fast. A typical running toilet can waste 200 to 300 gallons of water per day. That’s the equivalent of filling up a bathtub multiple times—every single day! In severe cases, it can waste up to 6,000 gallons a month, depending on how bad the leak is.

To put that into perspective, here’s what that wasted water could be used for:

  • Showering – Enough for dozens of extra showers a month
  • Laundry – Hundreds of extra loads of washing
  • Drinking water – Thousands of bottles worth of clean, usable water
  • Gardening – More than enough to keep a lawn and garden thriving

A running toilet isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a huge waste of a precious resource.

The Financial Impact of Ignoring It

Your water bill might not seem outrageous at first, but over time, those extra gallons add up. Even a slow leak can increase your bill by $50-$100 per month, while more severe leaks can cost hundreds of dollars. Some homeowners have been hit with thousands of dollars in unexpected costs simply because they ignored a running toilet for too long.

Now, consider this: fixing a running toilet is usually cheap and easy. A simple replacement for a flapper or fill valve often costs $10-$30. Even if you hire a plumbing company, you’ll spend far less than months of high water bills.

Can a Running Toilet Cause Other Damage?

Water waste and high bills are bad enough, but ignoring a running toilet can also lead to serious home damage. Here’s why:

  • Floor Damage – If water overflows or seeps out due to a faulty seal, it can warp wood, damage tile grout, or even lead to mold growth.
  • Mold & Mildew – Persistent moisture in the bathroom is a breeding ground for mold, which can spread to walls, baseboards, and even inside vents.
  • Toilet Wear & Tear – The constant flow of water puts stress on internal components, leading to faster deterioration and the need for expensive replacements.
  • Plumbing System Strain – A constantly running toilet keeps your plumbing system working overtime, potentially leading to issues with other fixtures or pipes.

A simple fix today can prevent expensive repairs and serious headaches down the road.

What Causes a Toilet to Run Constantly?

A running toilet is usually the result of one of a few common issues:

  1. Worn-Out Flapper – The rubber flapper inside the tank seals water in but can degrade over time, allowing leaks.
  2. Faulty Fill Valve – This controls how much water enters the tank. If it’s malfunctioning, water will keep flowing.
  3. Improper Chain Length – If the chain attached to the flush handle is too short or tangled, the flapper may not close properly.
  4. Overflow Tube Issues – If the overflow tube is damaged or set too high, excess water will keep draining instead of stopping.

All of these problems are inexpensive and easy to fix, so there’s no reason to put them off.

DIY Fixes vs. Calling a Plumber

Some toilet issues are simple DIY repairs that take less than 30 minutes. If you’re comfortable with a little hands-on work, replacing a flapper or adjusting a chain is straightforward. Most home improvement stores sell universal repair kits that make the process even easier.

However, if you’ve tried the basics and the problem persists, calling a plumber is worth it. They can quickly diagnose and fix the issue, ensuring your toilet runs efficiently and doesn’t waste water.

How to Check If Your Toilet Is Running

Not sure if your toilet is wasting water? Here’s a simple test:

  1. Listen – If you hear constant water movement when the toilet isn’t in use, there’s likely a leak.
  2. Dye Test – Drop food coloring or a toilet leak detection tablet into the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak.
  3. Check the Water Level – If water is spilling into the overflow tube, it means the fill valve needs adjusting.
  4. Inspect the Flapper – Press the flapper down with a stick (not your hand). If the toilet stops running, the flapper likely needs replacing.

Don’t Let a Running Toilet Drain Your Wallet

It’s easy to ignore a running toilet, especially if it seems like a small issue. But that little problem can quickly add up to wasted water, high bills, and even home damage. The good news? It’s an easy fix. Whether you tackle it yourself or call a plumber, taking action now will save you money and prevent bigger problems later. So, if your toilet’s been running, now’s the time to stop it—before it starts costing you even more.