A Silent Running Toilet: How to Spot It and How Much It Can Cost Per Month
February 9th, 2026
In February, many homeowners look for ways to cut costs: heating, groceries, utility bills… but one of the biggest sources of wasted money often goes unnoticed: a silent running toilet. The worst part is that it can waste water for weeks or even months without anyone realizing.
A leaking toilet isn’t always loud. Sometimes it slowly leaks into the bowl, increasing your water bill and wearing out internal parts.
Here’s how to detect it quickly and what to do.
Clear signs your toilet may be leaking
Even without noise, you may notice:
- random refilling sounds,
- a light refill noise during the night,
- the bowl water level changing,
- small ripples in the bowl,
- higher water usage than usual.
The quick food-coloring test (2 minutes)
A simple test:
- Remove the tank lid.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank water.
- Wait 10 to 15 minutes without flushing.
If the color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
How much can it cost per month?
A running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water. Depending on the leak, it can add:
- a few dollars per month,
- or tens of dollars if it’s constant.
The most frustrating part is paying without knowing — it’s money literally going down the drain.
The most common causes
Most of the time, the issue comes from a small part inside the tank:
- a worn flapper,
- a faulty fill valve,
- a float that’s not properly adjusted,
- a seal that no longer closes.
These are common problems and often easy to fix.
What you can do yourself (and when to call a plumber)
You can often:
- replace the flapper,
- adjust the water level,
- clean the components.
Call a plumber if:
- the leak keeps coming back,
- you can’t find the cause,
- parts are old or broken,
- you want a long-lasting repair.
Why it’s worth fixing right away
Fixing a running toilet means:
- lower bills,
- less wear and tear,
- less wasted water,
- preventing bigger issues.
In conclusion, if you want a simple way to reduce real costs at home this February, start by checking your toilets. The food-coloring test takes only minutes — and can save you from months of unnecessary water bills.In conclusion, if you want a simple way to reduce real costs at home this February, start by checking your toilets. The food-coloring test takes only minutes — and can save you from months of unnecessary water bills.
