Why Does My Toilet Keep Running? Why Does My Toilet Keep Running?
Normally when you flush, the water stops running after a few seconds. But when toilet water keeps running randomly, you know there’s a problem. At first, you might stare at the wall in frustration and hope that it would magically stop.
Or you might try to adjust the flush valve to see if that solves the problem. Most of the time, problems could be fixed just by adjusting the flash valve but there’s no guaranteed rate of success
A running toilet might not seem as bad as a clogged toilet but the problem could waste 180 gallons of water per week and could result in high water bills.
A constant running toilet indicates that the water within the tank is flowing into the overflow tube or system is allowing water to pass through the flush valve flapper.
Whenever you encounter running water problems with your toilet, the best course of action is to contact a professional plumber for help. However, there are some things that you can do to inspect and resolve the water running problem in the toilet.
How to Fix the Running Toilet?
There are four main reasons why you have a running toilet and these are:
If running toilet drives you crazy then thankfully you can inspect and solve these problems yourself with little effort. However, you would need a few tools and materials such as screwdrivers, pliers, gloves, replacement parts, and a replacement valve.
Problem 1- The Toilet Flapper is Leaking and Needs to be Replaced
One of the most common reasons that your toilet keeps running is due to an old, dirty, or worn-out water flapper that needs a replacement. The job of a flapper is to create a seal between the bowl of the toilet and the tank. However, with time the toilet flapper gets worn out or dirty due to which it does not seal the way it should.
The good news is that replacing the toilet flapper is easy, simple, and takes not more than 15 minutes. You just need to purchase a new flapper from the hardware store and it won’t cost you more than $15.
First, you need to empty the water from the tank by directly shutting off the water supply to the toilet.
To remove it, you need to detach the flapper chain and take it off the mounting pin on the side of the overflow tube. Attach a new one by connecting the chain and attaching the sides to the pins.
If the chain’s too long, you may need to shorten it as your toilet will still run if the flapper isn’t getting a good seal.
Problem 2- The Float Valve is Too High
Among the most common causes of running toilets is an incorrectly adjusted faulty float. The job of the float is to stop the water when then the water level reaches the maximum height. When the water level is too high it will spill out of the tank into the overflow tube.
This usually happens in case of excess water into the tank and to fix it you need to lower the height of the float valve.
First, you need to open the lid of the tank to check if the float has become tangled with the chain as it could also affect the functionality of the float. If everything seems in place then the problem is the height of the float only.
To lower the water level in the toilet tank, you need to tighten or loosen the screw until the float arm lowers. Also, make sure that the float ball is not touching the sidewall. If it isn’t working, replace the entire valve assembly. They are easily available in the market and are relatively cheap.
Problem 3- The Refill Tube Needs to be Shortened
Another reason for your toilet to keep running is that the refill tube is constantly pumping water into the bowl. This usually happens due to the refill tube being too long or incorrectly positioned into the overflow tube.
To shorten the refill tube, take it out from the overflow tube and place it just above the overflow opening. Trim and clip it to the side of the overflow tube. Once you’re done, turn on the water supply and flush the toilet to check if it is still running or not.
Problem 4- Handle is Stuck
Sometimes, the reason that your toilet keeps running is because of a stuck toilet handle. If the handle is overly tight, it will get stuck when the handle is pressed.
To fix it, you need to loosen the handle enough for it to move without getting stuck.
How to Fix Running Toilet Problem: Get Professional Help
If none of these fixes helps and if you notice leaking around the base of your toilet, then you may need to call a professional plumber for help.
A professional plumber can inspect the problem and come up with a solution instantly to fix the running toilet problem. A team of professional plumbers have years of problems and hence can find the root of the problem to fix it in a timely manner.
They will fix your problem on the first visit to save you water bills and prevent further serious damage. They have the right tools and materials to repair toilet parts and to ensure that your toilet runs smoothly.
But before hiring a plumber do proper research and only work with those who have years of experience and are well-reputed. Since fixing toilets is a complicated task and if not done right and costs you a lot more than you can imagine.
Do you have any more concerns or suggestions related to constant running toilets? If yes, do share in the comment section. We’d love to hear suggestions from you guys as well!
