Replacing our toilet is something we often don’t think about. But are you aware how much that toilet could be costing you? During this pandemic, many of us have seen an increase in our water bills. We think that’s justified since more members of the family are home and many are working from home. But did you know your toilet could be the main culprit of your home’s water usage? Like most plumbing companies in Northern Virginia, M.E. Flow in Alexandria has experienced a higher demand for toilet repairs and toilet replacements.
The residential toilet had never worked harder! Here are 4 factors you need to know about your toilet:
- Age – According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), toilets are the main source of water use in the home. Homes with older and inefficient toilets can use as much as 6 gallons per flush! Today, with advances in toilet manufacturing, a toilet can use as little as 1. 28 gallons of water!
- Flushing – Have you ever counted how many times a day you are flushing? According to the Home Water Works website the average person flushes a toilet 5 times a day. While that number seems low to us, it’s simple math if you know how many gallons of water your toilet uses when being flushed.
- Leaking Toilets – the EPA says… “Leaks can Run, But they Can’t Hide”…and worn-out toilet flappers do cause leaks. Flappers are rubber parts that often build up with mineral deposits or decay over time. You can fix this leak by visiting the hardware store for the part and do-it-yourself or you can use a licensed plumber for the toilet repairs.
- According to our friends at Angie’s List, toilets need to be replaced approximately every 15 years, that’s about the same timeframe as your water heater and HVAC system. They also stated by adding a water softener you can double its life expectancy by reducing that mineral buildup inside the toilet.
So, if you have seen an increase in your water bills, chances are it’s coming from your older toilets. Check out the tips on the Water Savers website to help you determine the age of your toilet and other ways to save on water use.
If you’re ready to replace your toilet(s) and invest in a high-efficiency toilet - contact M.E. Flow in Alexandria or Leesburg. M.E. Flow provides plumbing service for all of Northern Virginia from Winchester to Woodbridge! We can repair your toilet too!