A running toilet may seem like a minor inconvenience, but the truth is it can cause significant water waste and higher utility bills. If left unchecked, a constantly running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day, leading to a large increase in your water bill. The good news is that fixing a running toilet doesn’t have to be a complicated or expensive process. With a few simple adjustments, you can solve the problem and restore peace to your home.
At A&D Plumbing, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with a running toilet. Whether it’s a subtle trickle or a loud, constant running, addressing the issue as soon as possible is important to avoid long-term consequences. In this blog, we will explore the most common causes of running toilets and offer step-by-step solutions to help you stop the water flow. If you’re unsure or need a professional to handle the repair, our experienced plumbing team is always here to help.
Why is Your Toilet Running?
Before jumping into the fixes, it’s essential to understand why your toilet might be running in the first place. There are a few common causes that can lead to a toilet constantly running water:
- Worn Flapper Valve: The flapper is a rubber valve that seals the opening between the tank and the bowl. Over time, the flapper can become worn out, causing it to fail at sealing the tank properly. This allows water to leak into the bowl, which makes the toilet run.
- Faulty Fill Valve: The fill valve is responsible for refilling the tank after a flush. If it’s malfunctioning, it could result in the continuous flow of water into the tank.
- Float Issues: The float controls the water level in the tank. If the float is set too high, it can cause water to flow into the overflow tube, keeping the toilet running.
- Incorrect Chain Length: The chain that connects the flush lever to the flapper might be too tight or too loose, preventing the flapper from fully closing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Running Toilet
Now that we understand the common causes let’s look at some of the most effective solutions. These steps are relatively simple and can save you money on your water bill by fixing the problem yourself.
1. Replace the Flapper Valve
One of the most common causes of a running toilet is a worn-out flapper. The flapper is responsible for creating a seal that holds water in the tank until you flush. Over time, it can deteriorate, causing water to leak into the bowl and triggering the fill valve to keep running. Replacing the flapper is a relatively simple and inexpensive fix.
How to do it:
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually done by closing the shut-off valve located behind the toilet.
- Flush the toilet to empty the tank. You may need to hold the handle down for a few seconds to ensure all the water drains out.
- Remove the old flapper by disconnecting it from the chain and unhooking it from the flush valve.
- Install a new flapper, ensuring that it fits properly over the flush valve. The flapper should create a tight seal when it’s in place.
- Reconnect the chain to the flush lever, making sure there’s just enough slack for the flapper to close properly.
- Turn the water supply back on and test the toilet to ensure the running issue is resolved.
Tip: Flappers are relatively inexpensive and come in universal sizes that fit most toilet models. Be sure to check your toilet’s manual for the exact specifications before purchasing a replacement.
2. Adjust the Float
The float is responsible for controlling the water level in your toilet tank. If the float is set too high, the water will spill into the overflow tube, causing the toilet to run continuously. Adjusting the float can resolve this issue and restore proper water flow.
How to do it:
- Open the toilet tank lid and locate the float. Depending on the design, the float could be a ball attached to an arm (a ball float) or a cylindrical piece that slides up and down a rod (a cylinder float).
- If you have a ball float, gently bend the arm downward to lower the water level. If you have a cylinder float, adjust the screw or dial to raise or lower the float to the desired level.
- After making the adjustment, flush the toilet to check if the water level is appropriate. The water should be about one inch below the overflow tube to ensure it doesn’t continue running.
Tip: Be careful not to set the water level too low, as this can affect the performance of your toilet during flushing.
3. Clean the Fill Valve
If the fill valve is clogged with mineral deposits or debris, it may prevent the toilet from filling properly, causing it to run. Cleaning the fill valve can often fix this issue and restore normal function.
How to do it:
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush it to empty the tank.
- Disconnect the water supply line from the fill valve.
- Use a small brush or cloth to clean the fill valve and remove any sediment or debris that may have accumulated inside.
- Reconnect the water supply line and turn the water back on.
- Check the fill valve to ensure it’s functioning properly and stopping the water flow once the tank is full.
Tip: If cleaning the fill valve doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to replace it entirely. Fill valves are affordable and widely available at most home improvement stores.
4. Check the Chain Length
The chain that connects the flush lever to the flapper may be too short or too long, causing the flapper to remain partially open after flushing. This results in water leaking into the bowl and causing the toilet to run.
How to do it:
- Open the toilet tank and locate the chain that connects the flush lever to the flapper.
- Adjust the chain’s length by either shortening or lengthening it so that the flapper closes completely after you flush the toilet.
- Ensure that there is just enough slack in the chain to allow the flapper to open fully when you flush.
Tip: If the chain is too tight or too loose, it may interfere with the flapper’s operation. A properly adjusted chain will ensure the flapper closes tightly, preventing water from leaking into the bowl.
5. Inspect the Overflow Tube
The overflow tube is designed to redirect excess water into the toilet bowl to prevent flooding. If the water level in the tank is too high, it will spill over into the overflow tube, causing the toilet to run continuously.
How to do it:
- Check the water level in the tank. If it’s above the top of the overflow tube, adjust the float to lower the water level.
- Flush the toilet and check to ensure the water stops below the overflow tube.
Tip: If the water is still flowing into the overflow tube after adjusting the float, the fill valve may need to be replaced or cleaned.
When to Call A&D Plumbing
If you’ve tried all of the above fixes and your toilet is still running, it may be time to call a professional plumber. Sometimes, the issue can be more complex, such as a malfunctioning flush valve or an issue with your home’s water pressure.
At A&D Plumbing, we specialize in toilet repair and maintenance, and we’re here to help with all your plumbing needs. Our expert plumbers can diagnose and fix any running toilet issues quickly and efficiently, saving you both time and money. If you’re not comfortable making the repairs yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.
Contact A&D Plumbing today to schedule a service call. We’ll ensure that your toilet is running efficiently and your plumbing system is in top condition.
Conclusion
A running toilet might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can result in significant water waste and unnecessary expenses. Fortunately, by following these simple steps, you can resolve most running toilet issues and restore your toilet’s functionality. However, if you’re unable to fix the problem on your own or if the issue persists, it’s always a good idea to call in the professionals.
If you’ve tried these fixes and the problem persists, or if you prefer to leave the repair to the professionals, contact A&D Plumbing for prompt and reliable service. We offer affordable, expert plumbing solutions to ensure your toilet is working like new.
Don’t let a running toilet drain your money. Contact us today, and let us take care of the problem for you!