How Much Water Does a Leaking Toilet Waste? (And Other Common Household Leaks)

A small leak might not seem like a big deal, but over time, it can lead to gallons of wasted water and higher utility bills. One of the biggest culprits? A leaking toilet.

How Much Water Does a Leaking Toilet Waste?

A toilet with a slow leak can waste 200 to 300 gallons of water per day—that’s over 8,000 gallons a month! If the leak is more severe, it can waste up to 6,000 gallons a day, which is enough to fill a swimming pool in just a few days. The worst part? Many homeowners don’t even notice a toilet leak until they see a spike in their water bill.

Other Common Household Leaks & Their Impact

• Dripping Faucets – A faucet that drips once per second can waste over 3,000 gallons per year—that’s enough for more than 180 showers!
• Leaky Showerheads – A showerhead leaking at just 10 drips per minute can add up to 500 gallons of wasted water per year.
• Underground Pipe Leaks – These are harder to detect but can cause thousands of gallons of waste while also damaging your foundation and yard.
• Leaky Outdoor Spigots – A dripping outdoor hose connection can waste hundreds of gallons of water every month, increasing your bill and harming your landscaping.

How to Detect & Fix Leaks

• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is used—if the reading changes, you have a leak.
• Put food coloring in your toilet tank—if color seeps into the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak.
• Listen for running water sounds when no taps are on.

Final Thoughts

Household leaks waste thousands of gallons of water every year, costing homeowners money and harming the environment. If you suspect a leak, don’t wait—call a professional plumber to save water and prevent costly damage.

Need help with a leak? Contact us today for expert plumbing solutions!