You might not even realize it, but your toilet could be the cause of your high running water bill.
You might not even realize it, but your toilet could be the cause of your high running water bill. A leaking toilet can waste around five gallons of water per minute, which adds up very fast. Even a tiny leak could be responsible for losing 20,000 to 40,000 gallons of water every day. If you think there might be a possible leak in your toilet, you have to repair it as soon as you can to avoid an unpleasant surprise once your water bill arrives. Read on to learn why your high water bill might be because of your running toilets.
How Can I Detect a Toilet Leak?
Chances are, if you’re able to hear your toilet running, you’ve got a problem. However, confirming a leak is easy. For an easy DIY solution before your plumber comes out, add one teaspoon of food coloring into the water in the toilet tank, and wait around 15 minutes before you flush. If there is colored water inside the toilet bowl after the flushed water is leaking into from the tank into your bowl, there is a leak.
The Flushing Process
Fixing a toilet that will not stop running and wasting water will first require that you understand a little bit about how flushing works. Modern toilets have worked about the very same way since they were invented. When you flush, the lever will open a flapper to cause the flush of water, then water fills up the tank and lifts the float that shuts off the water when it reaches a specific level.
Now that you understand how a flush really works, you can determine what is causing your toilet to be in a type of flush mode continually.
Valve and Float Problems
The culprit for a running toilet is typically the float. When the float is set a bit too low, it will result in a weak flush. However, when it is set too high, water spills into the overflow tube, and the fill valve will not shut off. To figure out if the float is too high, measure about an inch on the toilet’s overflow tube and then make a mark. Flush the toilet and see if water stops and reaches the mark. If not, then the float needs some adjusting.
Flapper and Chain Problems
Sometimes the problem is your valve. If the valve won’t shut off, it is defective, and you will need a replacement. Another possible issue that can cause a running toilet is the chain length. The chain affects whether or not the flapper can shut, and when the flapper is left open, it will constantly be running.
Get in Touch With B&D Today!
Dealing with any plumbing concerns that require a professional to step in? Struggling with an absolute plumbing emergency that can’t wait? Let B&D Plumbing know. B&D Plumbing Inc. services the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Get in touch with us by calling (301) 595-1141 or follow us on social media including Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. As a small, family-owned business, we understand how important your home is—and we offer exceptional service that matches!