Flushing the toilet may seem like a trivial daily expense, but when you add up the cost per flush over time, it can give insight into your water bill. The cost of flushing a toilet varies depending on factors such as water usage per flush, local water rates, and the type of toilet you have. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the cost of each flush and how it impacts your annual expenses.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Flush
- Gallons per Flush (GPF): Toilets typically use between 1.28 and 5 gallons of water per flush, depending on the type and age of the toilet.
- Local Water Rates: Water rates differ across regions, with an average cost of about $0.005 to $0.01 per gallon in the U.S.
- Toilet Type: Older toilets use more water, while modern high-efficiency toilets are designed to conserve it.
Cost per Flush by Toilet Type
To estimate the cost of each flush, we can use the following formula:
Cost per Flush=Gallons per Flush×Cost per Gallon of Water\text{Cost per Flush} = \text{Gallons per Flush} \times \text{Cost per Gallon of Water}
Here’s a breakdown of average costs per flush based on common toilet types:
Toilet Type |
Gallons per Flush (GPF) |
Cost per Flush ($0.005/gal) |
Cost per Flush ($0.01/gal) |
|---|---|---|---|
Older Toilets (pre-1994) |
3.5 – 5.0 |
$0.0175 – $0.025 |
$0.035 – $0.05 |
Standard Toilet (1.6 GPF) |
1.6 |
$0.008 |
$0.016 |
High-Efficiency Toilet |
1.28 |
$0.0064 |
$0.0128 |
Dual-Flush (avg 1.1 GPF) |
1.1 |
$0.0055 |
$0.011 |
Note: This table assumes an average U.S. water rate range of $0.005 to $0.01 per gallon.
Estimating Annual Costs Based on Toilet Type
The frequency of toilet use impacts the total annual cost. The average household toilet is flushed approximately 5 times per person per day. Here’s an annual cost estimate based on different toilet types for a family of four:
Toilet Type |
Gallons per Flush |
Daily Cost ($0.005/gal) |
Daily Cost ($0.01/gal) |
Annual Cost ($0.005/gal) |
Annual Cost ($0.01/gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Older Toilet (5 GPF) |
5 |
$0.10 |
$0.20 |
$36.50 |
$73 |
Standard Toilet (1.6 GPF) |
1.6 |
$0.032 |
$0.064 |
$11.68 |
$23.36 |
High-Efficiency Toilet |
1.28 |
$0.0256 |
$0.0512 |
$9.35 |
$18.71 |
Dual-Flush Toilet |
1.1 |
$0.022 |
$0.044 |
$8.03 |
$16.06 |
Assumptions:
- Family of Four: This table is based on a household of four, flushing five times per person daily.
- 365 Days: Calculations assume daily usage over one year.
Water and Money Savings Tips
Toilets with lower GPF rates can lead to substantial savings over time, both in water conservation and financial costs. Here are some tips to optimize your toilet’s efficiency:
- Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Toilet: Modern toilets with a GPF of 1.28 or less can significantly reduce your water bill over time.
- Install a Dual-Flush Toilet: Dual-flush toilets allow you to use less water for liquid waste and more for solid waste, averaging 1.1 GPF overall.
- Check for Leaks: A leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected costs.
- Limit Flushes: Simple changes in daily habits, like reducing unnecessary flushes, can help lower costs.
While the cost per flush may seem minor, it adds up over time, especially for larger households. By choosing water-efficient toilets and being mindful of usage, you can reduce both your water consumption and overall expenses. Investing in a high-efficiency toilet is a smart choice for both the environment and your wallet, helping you save money year after year.
