Leaks

Toilet Leaks

Toilet leaks are one of the most common leaks.
They usually occur in the overflow pipe.
They also occur in the plunger ball.
Check toilets for leaks at least twice each year.
Toilet leaks tend to be invisible.
Hundreds of gallons a day can be wasted on toilet leaks.
Check your toilet for parts which are out of adjustment or worn out.
The sound of water is running in a toilet tank signals costly leakage.
Use the leak indicator on your water meter to verify successful repair of a toilet leak.
Tightly turn off hose faucets after each use.
A sprinkler running all day can use 1400 gallons of water.

How Much Water is Wasted?

A leak of one pint per minute wastes 5,475 gallons per month.
A leak of one quart per minute wastes 10,950 gallons per month.
A leak of 1/2 gallon per minute wastes 21,900 gallons per month.
A leak of 1 gallon per minute wastes 43,800 gallons per month.
A leak of 3 gallons per minute wastes 131,400 gallons per month.

Various Leak Cases

Case 1

A customer complained that every few hours his toilet seemed to flush itself. This was caused by the tank refilling after water leaked around the plunger ball. Our service people found the problem and the customer had it repaired quickly. Fortunately, the water bill for the leak was only $89, but the water wasted was over 26,000 gallons.

Case 2

This customer wrote the Public Sevice Commission about a high water bill. The family was away on extended vacation when a toilet leak developed. The toilet leaked continuously for about 60 days. A 3/8" diameter line was feeding the toilet. Approximately 85,000 gallons leaked through the overflow and the bill was almost $195.

Case 3

While paying a water and sewer bill of $115 for 90 days use, a customer admitted that the house rule to "rattle the handle" after a flush was a costly mistake. In this case, the plunger ball wasn't seating properly and one family member didn't always follow the rule. The toilet ran continuously for up to 4 hours on almost all school days. This went on for about 45 days. The water wasted because of this leak was over 20,000 gallons.

Case 4

A customer said "I know the toilet was leaking, but it can't cost $231 for 3 months!" Approximately 92,000 gallons were wasted.

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