Toilet failures are the second leading source of residential water losses, after plumbing supply line failures, costing an average of $5,584 per incident after the deductible was paid, according to the Institute for Business & Home Safety.

In a recent study, IBHS identified key findings that could help policyholders prevent losses caused by toilet failures, including the important role of regular maintenance and the different risks facing the owners of newer and older homes.

Although the owners of newer and older homes were each likely to experience toilet related water losses, their risks were different, according to the study. Owners need to be mindful when leaving their homes alone.

• Newer homes were more likely to have a sudden toilet failure, such as one caused by a faulty supply line or fill valve, resulting in a more severe loss.
• Older homes were more likely to experience a slow, seeping leak, such as from failed drain lines or faulty seals, which will result in less severe damage.
• Approximately 14% of all toilet failures occurred in unoccupied homes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frequency of Toilet Failure Types by Age of Home

The simplest way to prevent water damage from a toilet failure is to remain in or near the bathroom until the valve has finished refilling the tank and bowl. It’s important to remember not to continue flushing a clogged toilet and to shut off the supply valve at the first sign of an overflowing toilet. Regular maintenance can help a homeowner avoid toilet failure.

Recommended maintenance includes:

• Inspecting the components inside the toilet twice a year, including lifting the toilet tank lid to ensure the fill and flush valves are operating properly.
• Periodically checking the supply line connection to make sure it’s secure.
• Closing and opening the supply valve to the toilet twice a year. Make sure it’s free of rust and operates smoothly. If not, replace it.
• Paying attention to water running periodically in a toilet tank between uses. This can be a sign internal components are beginning to fail. The most common problem is a leaking flush valve.

After a review of 1,305 toilet failure claims from multiple insurance companies, IBHS found that one-third were caused by an overflowing or clogged toilet. As for severity, water supply line failures resulted in 59% greater losses than the next leading cause.

Toilet Failure Mode Claim Frequency

The report analyzed loss sources by the age of the homes and the location of the water loss.

• Toilet failures accounted for more than 14% of all water losses resulting in claims in homes less than 10 years old. This is compared to an average of just 9% of water losses in homes 40 years old and older.
• Toilet failures on a home’s first floor resulted in 50% greater losses than those that occurred on upper floors or in basements. This is likely due to the proximity of the bathroom to expensive furniture, flooring and appliances.

 

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