Toilets are notorious for leaking. However, a leaking toilet often goes unnoticed until a water bill shows up that is higher than usual. The first thing that many people do when they have a higher water bill is think about using the dishwasher and clothes washer less to save money on the water bill.
Most people don't realize it, but a leaking toilet is the most common cause for a water bill that gets out of control. There are a number of signs that a toilet needs some repairs, but many toilets still leak without any obvious signs of trouble. This is what makes a leaking toilet problematic for homeowners.
Most homeowners will notice if there is water around the base of the toilet, but here are some signs to look for if you have a larger than normal water bill because you suspect that you may have a leaking toilet:
- If you have to jiggle the handle to make a toilet stop running.
- If you have any sounds coming from a toilet that is not being used.
- If you have to hold down the handle to allow the tank to empty.
- If you can see water trickling down the sides of the toilet bowl long after it has been flushed.
- If a toilet turns the water on for 15 seconds or so without you touching the handle, you may have what is known as a phantom flusher.
The problem with leaking toilets is they can eventually result in outrageous water bills. This is especially true if you aren't home a lot or aren't paying attention to your plumbing. In effect, some of these kinds of water bills can run up to 300% higher than your average monthly bill. Leaking toilets are easy to fix, and the cost for a plumber to assess the situation and repair it is usually much cheaper than letting the problem go on and then pay for an-out-of-control water bill.