A few years ago, I was in the bathroom of a friend’s house. Above their toilet was a sign that read, “How much does it cost to flush a toilet?” At first, I found it funny, but later on, I was curious, so I asked my friend how much it would be if I flushed.
He did some quick math in his head and turned around to look at us, “Maybe eight cents?” At that point, I realized everyone wanted to know this amount, but no one checked to see what it was.
You may think it sounds silly to raise the issue of the cost of toilet flushing but stay with me. It had always puzzled me, so I did some research.
And as surprising as it may sound, we pay a rather significant price for this day-to-day task we all perform. I hope you will find my findings both interesting and amusing.
So how much does it cost to flush a toilet? Well, it depends on what kind of toilet you have and how much water your toilet uses. But usually, in the United States, the price of flushing a toilet varies from $0.00 to $15.00 per flush. The average cost of flushing a toilet in the US is $1.28 per flush, which is enough to make your eyes water.
How Much Does It Cost To Flush a Toilet?
How much does it cost to flush a toilet? Ever this question comes to your mind? Well, I must say if you are the one in your home who pays the bills, then you have thought about it, right? I must say It depends on how many times you flush.
However, I’m here to tell you. The average cost of flushing a toilet is $0.00055 per cycle. That’s pretty cheap, right? But if you are using a public restroom and are not the only person using it.
Let’s say five people are using a toilet in your home’s restroom—then you have to pay $0.000125 per cycle. That’s still pretty cheap.
To find out how much it costs to flush your toilet at home, multiply $0.00055 by how many times you flush every day (or however often you fling). Then add that number up until the end of the year.
If you’re habitually flushing your toilet every time you use it, you’re probably spending a lot more than necessary. The EPA estimates that the average American flushes their toilet daily.
That’s 1,825 flushes per year—and we’d bet that most of those are unnecessary. If you’re wondering how much water is wasted by over-flushing a toilet, the answer is simple: A LOT! According to one study, an average US household spends $1,000 per year on unnecessary toilet flushes.
| Total Usage Per Flush | Flushes Per Day | Cost of Flush Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 gallons | 4-6 | $0.016 |
| 3 gallons | 4-6 | $0.003 |
| 5 gallons | 4-6 | $0.05 |
| 7 gallons | 4-6 | $0.07 |
Also read this: How much water to flush a toilet?
The Cost Of Toilet Flushing Can Vary Greatly Depending On
When it comes to the cost of toilet flushing, there are numerous factors that can greatly influence your expenses. Here are listed some of these.
- The Location Of The Toilet
- Type Of Toilet
- Use OF Toilet
1) The Location Of The Toilet
The cost of flushing a toilet can vary greatly depending on where you are. A study by the American Water Works Association found that the average household in the United States spends $1,000 per year on water and wastewater consumption.
This number may seem high, but it’s lower than many other countries worldwide—and it doesn’t consider the cost of water in places like California or New York City.
I was curious more about it. That is the location of the toilet that matter? And I found that if your toilet is located in a high-altitude region, such as Denver, Colorado, you’ll have to pay more for flushing it.
Than if it were located in a low-altitude area like Los Angeles. That’s because high-altitude toilets use more water during flushing due to their higher elevation.
Related Posts:
How To Flush in Western Toilet
2) Type Of Toilet
The type of toilet also plays a role in determining how much water is used during each flush. Older models use more water than newer ones because they have larger tanks and take longer to fill up when flushed.
If you have an older model, you may consider replacing it with a newer one that uses significantly less water during each flush.
For detailed info read our blog Types Of Toilet.
3) Use OF Toilet
When you flush the toilet, you’re using water. And if you’re using more water to flush your toilet than you need to, that can cost you some money.
The cost of flushing your toilet varies from house to house and person to person. The more you flush, the more often you’ll be paying for that service.
You may have heard this: “Don’t flush after every use!” But what does that mean? It means don’t go ahead and use all your water in the tank just because there’s still a little bit left over. You don’t have to use it all—just a little bit will do.
How To Calculate The Total Cost of Flushing The Toilet?
To calculate the total cost of flushing the toilet, you’ll need to consider the cost of water and wastewater.
Relax, it’s not that complicated. The cost of water is easy to figure out—you multiply the water you use by your local rate per gallon or liter. You can find this information on your utility bill or by looking online.
To calculate the total cost of flushing the toilet, you need to consider two things: how much it costs to buy water and how much it costs to run your toilet.
The average person flushes their toilet five times daily, meaning they use 5 gallons of water every time they flush. The average cost of a gallon of water is $1.50. So, if we multiply 5 gallons by $1.50, we get $7.50 for one flush.
That’s not all, though! It would be best to consider that your toilet would continue running even after you flush. The average person uses about 1 gallon of water per flush, but toilets can use up to 6 gallons per flush.
Because they have several mechanisms that continue pushing water down after it’s gone through the initial pipe system and into the bowl itself (this means running costs can vary widely depending on how much water your particular model uses).
| Total Usage | Gallons Per Day | Gallons Per Month | Cost Of 1 Gallon | Total Cost Per Day |
| 1.6 gallon/flush | 5 | 240 | $0.01 | $2.4 |
| 3 gallons/flush | 5 | 450 | $0.01 | $4.5 |
| 5 gallons/flush | 5 | 750 | $0.01 | $.7.5 |
Save Money By Testing Your Toilet
With 22 gallons (83 liters) of water wasted every day due to leaking problems, you could be costing yourself nearly $80 a year.
That’s the equivalent of buying 25 boxes or bottles worth at retail prices. That might not seem like much but when we convert this into an annual figure.
Then it will show just how quickly your household is spending without investing in some simple measures that can cut down on unnecessary costs.
While also saving time and effort–not only for homeowners either: renters should take note too as they are often unaware about these types leaky fixtures unless informed by their landlords first-hand.”
You know that your old toilet is likely leaking, but you might not have noticed the leak.
The problem can be serious if it’s silent and goes unnoticed – which means more water is wasted every day. That could mean an increase in utility costs for YOU.
I recommend checking out your toilet today. So it doesn’t add extra pounds to your wallet.
Tips For Saving Toilet Flushing Costs
You can indeed save money by flushing less often. However, there are other ways to save on toilet flushing costs that you might not have considered. Here are some tips for saving toilet flushing costs:
1. Replace Flapper Valve
Replace your toilet’s flapper valve with a high-quality, leak-free model.
2. Install Dual-Flush Lever
Install a dual-flush lever or button on your toilet. (This will allow you to select between a full flush and a half flush.).
You can Read our blog how to flush a dual flush toilet to know how its saves water.
3. Utilize End Of Bowl Wisely
If your toilet has an elongated bowl, try using the small end of the bowl for liquid waste and the large end for solid waste. This will reduce the water needed to fill the bowl when you flush it.
4. Flush Wisely
Avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet; items such as feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, paper towels, etc., can clog up your pipes and cause damage to your home’s plumbing system over time.
5. Use Bidet
Using a bidet instead of toilet paper can cut down on the amount of toilet paper you use and thus reduce your spending on it.
If you’re used to toilet paper, this might seem like an unusual suggestion, but it will quickly become apparent how much money you save by adopting this practice.
6. Install Auto-Flush Sensor
Install an Auto-Flush Sensor. An auto-flush sensor is an electronic device that activates when someone enters the bathroom and triggers the toilet to flush automatically once they leave.
This device will help to minimize water usage and lower your monthly bills. If a person enters the bathroom while another person is still inside, the sensor will not activate until they exit too. So as not to waste water while others are still using it.
Flushed Toilets vs. Unflushable Toilets: Which Is Better For The Environment?
Flushed toilets vs. unflushable toilets: which is better for the environment? Which one should we have to install in our home?
It’s a question that’s been on the minds of homeowners and renters alike, but it’s not always easy to find a definitive answer.
Both types of toilets have pros and cons, but we’re here to help you sort through it all.
Let’s start by talking about the pros of flushed toilets:
- They’re more hygienic than their unflushable counterparts because they flush all of your waste into a septic tank or sewer system where it can be treated before reaching any water bodies, including lakes and rivers.
- Flushed toilets are faster than unflushable ones; they don’t require extra steps like pouring water into the toilet or using unique bags or cups to catch the waste.
Now let’s talk about the cons of flushed toilets:
- Flushed toilets use more water than unflushable ones (and therefore require more energy for heating)
- They’re expensive compared to unflushable ones, which means that people who can’t afford them may not have access to proper sanitation systems.
But it’s a common argument and, in my personal opinion, based on my years of plumbing experience. Flushed toilets are better than unflushable toilets because they’re more environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, toilet flushing costs vary but can be expensive depending on the size of the toilet, the type of toilet paper used, and how often it is done. It’s essential to research before flushing to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.