Water Bills?

Question

I live in the state of wisconsin. On average my water bill costas approximately $130 for 3 months. We have a toilet that runs constantly and the landlords have not fixed it in the entire 11 months we've lived here. Does anyone know how much a running toilet can cost over time? Say out of that 3 month span how much of that 130 dollars is due to the toilet running? I have no idea how to go about figuring it out.

Answer 1

hmm, can't give you a $$ answer, but I'd suggest writing to your landlord telling him you will hire a plumber to fix the toilet and then send him the bill.  You will not pay the plumber because your water bill from the running water has already paid for a plumber.  

Then again, I'd probably fix the thing myself and end the aggravation.

Answer 2

I say 70 %.  Ur throwing money out the window.  For $20. u can fix what ever inside that toilet.  Change the flopper/ change the level control valve....thats it.  Why fight and get gray hair over $20?.  Think about it.  Frustration...millions $$$$

No hassle....Priceless.

Answer 3

I might not have the answer money wise.  But I have to state my opinion.  If your landlord isn't coming around and only expects rent, they aren't keeping up their end of the bargain.  You should do what my cousin did.  His landlord said last winter, that come spring she would fix all of these things that were messed up around the house.  She never did.  He stopped paying rent.  When the rent didn't come, she came to him and asked him where his rent for the month was.  He said my rents in my pocket.  If you're not going to fix these things, I'm refusing to pay rent and I'm going to find another place to live.  After that, things started happening.  Don't take that from your landlord.  That just isn't fair to you.  Good luck!  Happy 4th of July!  =)

Answer 4

Probably about half of your water bill. At that cost I think I'd fix it myself. They aren't that hard. Take the top off the tank and pull up on the float. If the water quits running in but keeps going into the bowl, then the flapper valve in the bottom of the tank needs replacing. If the water DOESN't stop running into the tank then the ball c**k, which the float is attached to needs to be replaced. Tell the landlord you'll do your own repair if he'll pay for the parts. If he says no and won't fix it subtract the cost from your next rent payment and. Also put all your communications with the landlord in writing. Also, if you're gone all day, just turn the water off, at the inlet to the tank, before you leave for work. That alone will save you a bunch.

Answer 5

You'd have to measure the rate of flow which is no easy task. I think your best bet would be to tell the landlord that you are going to call a plumber to fix it and he will be billed for the job. Specify a time frame for him to act and then call the plumber if he doesn't.

IMPORTANT.. do all this in writing and mail the letter as "registered mail, signature for reciept" (Check with the Post Office).

Answer 6

Fix the toilet yourself and charge the landlord the $20 for the parts.  A toilet can waste a swimming pool's worth of water if you let it run constantly.

A replacement fill valve costs $10-15 and it takes about 20 minutes.