Is your toilet constantly running? Well, you better go catch it!
Sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves. Now, on to the more serious matter of why your toilet keeps running… Sometimes, a toilet will run long after a flush — or without having been flushed at all — due to slow leaks, deteriorating flappers, or a malfunctioning fill valve. Since these problems can waste water and hurt your bank account, it’s important to take steps to resolve the problem right away. Fortunately, the fix is often straightforward and inexpensive.
Why Is Your Toilet Constantly Running?
If your toilet keeps making a hissing or trickling sound long after it’s been flushed, there is likely a faulty component or two that is preventing your plumbing fixture from performing its one job correctly. The good news is that many of the repairs can be completed in just a few steps.
Before we get into the solutions for a constantly running toilet, let’s look at the most common culprits behind the problem:
- Worn-Out Flapper: This rubber piece at the bottom of the tank lifts when you flush and seals the tank afterward. If it’s warped or degraded, it won’t seal properly, allowing water to keep leaking into the bowl. This, in turn, causes the toilet to keep running.
- Float Issues: The float controls the water level in the tank. If it’s set too high or becomes faulty, water will continually flow into the overflow tube.
- Refill Tube Problems: If the refill tube is too long or inserted too far into the overflow tube, it can cause a siphoning effect, making the toilet refill endlessly.
- Faulty Fill Valve: This valve lets water into the tank. If it’s malfunctioning, it may allow more water than needed to enter the tank, prompting the toilet to keep running.
How to Fix a Running Toilet
When homeowners encounter their first case of a constantly running toilet, they immediately think it’s time for a complete toilet replacement. We’re here to assure you that this is rarely ever the case. Most of the time, you just need to swap out a part or two.
If your toilet won’t stop running, try these steps before you panic:
1. Inspect and Replace the Flapper
Lift the tank lid and flush. Watch the flapper lift and see if it seals tightly after the flush. If it seems loose, worn, or warped, replacing it is likely your best bet. You can find universal flappers at most hardware stores, and installation takes less than 10 minutes.
2. Check the Float
If your float is set too high, the tank will keep filling past the overflow level. Adjust the float using the screw mechanism on the fill valve or by bending the float arm downward slightly. For newer models with float cups, pinch the clip and slide the cup downward.
3. Adjust the Refill Tube
Make sure the refill tube is not inserted too far into the overflow tube. If it is, trim it back so it rests just above the tube opening. This can eliminate a continuous refill loop.
4. Fix the Flapper Chain and Flush Handle
Sometimes, a flapper chain that is too short or tangled can prevent the flapper from sealing correctly, while a chain that’s too long may not lift the flapper enough. Adjust the chain so it has just enough slack to fully close the flapper. Also, make sure the flush handle isn’t sticking or putting constant pressure on the chain, as this can keep the flapper slightly open and cause the toilet to run continuously.
5. Replace the Fill Valve
If you’ve tried the above and your toilet keeps running, the fill valve may be the issue. Replacement kits are widely available and typically include step-by-step instructions. Make sure to shut off the water and empty the tank before beginning.
When to Call a Plumber
What if you’ve done all of the above, and your toilet still won’t stop running? That’s when it might be time to bring in the experts.
Mineral buildup, sediment clogging the fill valve, or unseen cracks in the tank might require specialized tools and expertise to diagnose. Additionally, if you’re not comfortable with DIY repairs, the problem seems persistent, or is accompanied by other issues (like water pooling around the toilet base, inconsistent flushes, strange noises from the pipes, or even no water in the toilet tank), it’s better to err on the side of caution. Call an expert like Saffer Plumbing to take care of all your bathroom plumbing repairs in a flash.
Reach Out to Saffer Plumbing for Help Fixing a Running Toilet
Need help finding out why your toilet keeps running? Whether the problem is large or small, our team can tackle it, saving you from the headache and the rising costs of wasted water. Let us restore peace and quiet to your home with professional plumbing repairs. Call today, and we’ll take care of the hard, dirty work for you.