My Toilet Keeps Running. Is It Wasting a Lot of Water?

Introduction

That constant, annoying sound of a running toilet isn't just a disruption—it's the sound of money going directly down the drain. So, to answer your question directly: Yes, a running toilet is a major source of wasted water in your home, potentially costing you hundreds of dollars a year. In fact, it's one of the most common and costly plumbing issues homeowners face. As a licensed master plumber, I'm here to explain how much water you're losing, what's causing the problem, and what you should do about it.

The Shocking Cost of a Running Toilet in Houston

A moderately running toilet can waste up to 6,000 gallons of water per month. Based on average water rates in the Houston area, that single faulty toilet could be silently adding $50, $75, or even more to your monthly water bill. Before you pay for another month of that wasted water, let's look at the three most common culprits behind the problem.

The 3 Common Culprits: What's Causing the Leak?

Most internal toilet leaks are caused by one of three small, inexpensive parts failing inside the tank. Identifying the right one is key to a lasting repair.

1. The Faulty Flapper

The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of your tank that lifts when you flush. Over time, hard water minerals (a common issue in Houston) and cleaning chemicals can cause this rubber to warp or degrade, preventing it from creating a watertight seal. This is the #1 cause of a running toilet.

• Pro Tip: You can test your flapper by putting a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. Wait 15-20 minutes without flushing. If you see colored water appear in the bowl, you have a leaky flapper.

2. The Incorrect Fill Valve or Float

The fill valve is the tall mechanism that refills the tank with water after a flush. It's controlled by a float that rises with the water level. If the float is set too high or the fill valve is broken, it will continuously pour water into the tank, which then drains down the overflow tube, causing the toilet to run nonstop.

3. The Refill Tube is Too Long

This is a simple but common installation error. A small rubber tube runs from the fill valve to the overflow pipe to refill the bowl. If this tube is pushed too far down into the overflow pipe, it can create a siphon effect, constantly pulling water out of the tank and triggering the fill valve to keep running.

When to DIY and When to Call a Master Plumber

For a confident homeowner, replacing a flapper can be a straightforward DIY task. However, if you've replaced the flapper and the toilet is still running, or if you're dealing with a more complex fill valve assembly, it's time to call a professional. Guessing at the problem can lead to frustration and incomplete repairs. A licensed master plumber can accurately diagnose the issue and use high-quality parts to ensure the problem is fixed correctly the first time.

The LTP Plumbing Solution for Your Houston Home

Don't let a running toilet flush your money away for another day. At LTP Plumbing, I provide expert toilet repair with upfront, honest pricing. I will diagnose the exact cause of the leak and provide a transparent quote for a permanent solution. I use professional-grade parts to ensure your toilet operates efficiently and reliably, saving you money and giving you peace of mind.

Author & Related Information

Eric Santillan is a licensed master plumber and the owner-operator of LTP Plumbing. With years of experience serving homeowners throughout the greater Houston area, he is dedicated to providing honest, high-quality plumbing solutions with transparent pricing. Eric believes in solving problems correctly the first time, ensuring every customer feels confident and respected.