Water leak going out of control

[Brandt Tingen]

Hi,  My tenant's water usage is normally 60 - 500 gallons per day.  I just looked at my bill and the water usage has been 3,000 - 7,000 gallons over the last few days.  I called the tenant immediately and asked what was going on and they said they had re-installed a new flapper but it was leaking.  Is it possible for a toilet to overflow this much, or does this much water have to be a burst pipe?  We have had very cold weather the last week and a half.  I asked the tenant what day they tried to repair the toilet and the day after is when the water usage spiked.  I have sent the tenant a letter reaffirming that they are to make no self-repairs under any circumstances, but looking for some ideas for now.  

Also these tenants are home all of the time, so if anyone recommends bomb-proof and leak proof toilet guts or kitchen sink faucets and parts, I would gladly take suggestions.  I am even open to installing commercial grade equipment.  

[Fred Dray]

I had a toilet supply line break on the third floor around 2:00 am.  About an hour later the tenant on the first floor called and said water was leaking through their ceiling (2nd floor tenants were not home).  It's amazing the water pressure running through those lines, so I understand how your water bill was so high.

Here's how to protect yourself.  In your lease have a section that states all maintenance issues must be reported to manager/landlord within 24 hours and repairs must be performed by manager/landlord approved vendors.  Tenant will be responsible for any damages if issues are not reported within 24 hours or repairs are not made by manager/landlord approved vendor.

Also, when conducting the move in walk thru with new tenants, I always show them how to turn water off under toilets, sinks and if it was for a house I would show them the main water shut off valve. 

Hope the water company will work with you.