How Much Water Does a Running Toilet Use? | Trav's Plumbing & HVAC
If your toilet's been running non-stop, it’s not just annoying—it’s probably flushing your money down the drain too.
A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a day without you even realizing it.
Let’s break down just how much water is being used, why it’s happening, and what you can do before the next utility bill gives you a shock.
A Quick Breakdown: Running Toilet Water Usage
Here’s what water waste looks like with a running toilet:
Even on the low end, a running toilet can waste over 1,000 gallons a day.
And depending on your water rates, that could mean an extra $70–$200 or more added to your monthly bill.
How Much Water Can a Running Toilet Use in an Hour?
It really depends on the severity of the leak.
Most standard toilets release about 1 to 5 gallons per minute if the water keeps flowing.
So in just one hour, you could be looking at 60 to 300 gallons of wasted water.
Now imagine if that leak goes unnoticed for a full day—or worse, a week.
How Many Gallons Does a Running Toilet Use in a Day?
This is where things really get out of control.
A continuously running toilet could waste:
1 gallon/minute = 1,440 gallons/day
3 gallons/minute = 4,320 gallons/day
That’s more than enough to fill a small backyard pool.
And if you’ve got more than one toilet leaking?
It adds up fast.
What Causes a Running Toilet?
A running toilet is usually a small part gone bad—but it creates a big problem.
The most common culprits include:
Worn out flapper: Can’t seal the flush valve, so water keeps flowing.
Faulty fill valve: Keeps refilling the tank even when it’s full.
Float set too high: Water spills into the overflow tube.
Chain problems: Too short, too long, or tangled.
These are simple fixes if caught early.
But left alone?
You’re looking at huge water waste and a higher bill.
How Much Water Will a Running Toilet Use Over Time?
If you let a toilet run for weeks, the numbers get wild.
For example:
10 days at 2 gallons/min = 28,800 gallons
3 weeks at 3 gallons/min = 90,720 gallons
What’s the Cost of a Running Toilet?
It depends on your local rates, but on average:
1,000 gallons = about $10–$15
10,000 gallons = $100+
Now picture losing 30,000 gallons or more in a month.
That's not just wasteful—it’s expensive.
If your water bill suddenly spikes, the toilet should be the first thing you check.
How to Check If Your Toilet Is Running
Think something’s off but not totally sure?
Here’s how to find out:
Listen for running water even when it hasn’t been flushed.
Lift the tank lid and see if water is constantly moving.
Try the food dye test: Drop a bit of food coloring in the tank—if it shows up in the bowl without flushing, you’ve got a leak.
Even if you’re not hearing anything, silent leaks are real—and sneaky.
When to Call a Plumber
If you’ve checked everything and it’s still running (or you don’t feel like fiddling with tank parts), it’s time to bring in the pros.
At Trav’s Plumbing & HVAC, we’ve helped hundreds of Southern Manitoba homeowners stop the drip and save money.
Whether it’s a small repair or a total toilet replacement, we get it done quickly—usually the same day you call.
And unlike your toilet, we don’t waste your time or water.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore a Running Toilet
It’s easy to brush off a running toilet as a minor inconvenience.
But when it’s using thousands of gallons a week, that “minor” issue becomes a major one.
From high water bills to unnecessary strain on your plumbing, it’s not worth the wait.
If you’re in Southern Manitoba and suspect your toilet’s leaking, Trav’s Plumbing & HVAC can help.
Fast service, honest advice, and no more wasted water.
FAQs
How much water can a running toilet use?
A running toilet can use anywhere from 1 to 5 gallons per minute, which adds up to over 4,000 gallons per day if left unchecked.
How much water can a running toilet use in an hour?
A running toilet can use up to 300 gallons in just one hour, depending on how fast the water is leaking.
How many gallons does a running toilet use in a day?
Some toilets waste between 1,400 to 4,000+ gallons per day, especially if the leak is severe and constant.
Can I fix a running toilet myself?
Yes, if it’s a simple flapper or chain issue. But if you’re not sure, a plumber can fix it fast and save you money long-term.
Is a running toilet wasting water?
Yes, a running toilet is one of the most common sources of water waste in a home and can lead to thousands of gallons lost every month.
How much does it cost if your toilet runs all day?
Depending on local water rates and leak severity, a running toilet can cost anywhere from $5 to $15 or more per day.
How much water is used in a 10 minute shower?
A 10-minute shower typically uses around 20 to 25 gallons of water with a standard showerhead.
What happens if a toilet runs all night?
If a toilet runs all night, you could waste hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water—enough to significantly raise your water bill.
How much does it cost every time I flush the toilet?
Each flush usually uses 1.6 gallons on average, costing about 1 to 2 cents depending on your local utility rates.
How much can a toilet leak in a month?
A leaking toilet can waste anywhere from 10,000 to over 100,000 gallons of water in a single month if the problem goes unnoticed.
