Why Is My Toilet Constantly Running?

Is your toilet constantly running? No, that is not normal. After you flush, your toilet should run just long enough to refill the tank, then stop. If it takes longer than that, or you have to “jiggle” the handle to make it quit, you have a problem worth fixing. A running toilet is wasteful, and it can also be the first warning sign before a toilet overflows. Here is why your toilet will not stop running, and how to fix it.

First, Why It Matters

Before we get into the fixes, it helps to know the stakes. A running toilet is one of the most common household leaks, and it adds up fast. According to the EPA, household leaks waste close to one trillion gallons of water nationwide every year, and a single running toilet can put a noticeable dent in your own water bill. So the sooner you track down the cause, the more water and money you save.

The Most Likely Culprit: a Worn Flapper

Did a mysterious “ghost” flush your toilet while you were in the other room? More likely, a worn-out flapper is to blame. Open the tank and look for the round, flat rubber piece that covers the hole at the bottom. That is the flapper. When you push the handle, the flapper lifts to release water from the tank into the bowl, then drops back down to seal the hole so the toilet stops running.

Over time, though, flappers get stiff or warped and stop sealing. If you live in a home long enough, you will replace this part once or twice in the life of the toilet. Fortunately, it is a simple, inexpensive repair, and it puts an end to those phantom “ghost flushes” too.

Check the Chain

While you have the tank open, look at the chain that connects the handle to the flapper. When you flush, the handle pulls the chain, which lifts the flapper.

If the chain is tangled or floating loose in the tank, reconnect it to the flapper, there is usually a small hook at the end that secures it. If the chain is too long, it can get trapped under the flapper and hold it open; if it is too short, it can keep the flapper from sealing. Adjust it so there is just a little slack, and replace it if the hook has broken.

Check the Fill Valve

If the flapper and chain look fine, the fill valve may be the problem. This part controls how high the tank refills after each flush. You can adjust the water level yourself, and most manufacturers mark the ideal setting right on the overflow tube or the valve.

If the level is set too low, the tank never fills and the toilet keeps running. Set it too high, and water spills into the overflow tube and the toilet runs to keep up. If adjusting it does not solve the problem, the valve itself may be worn and due for replacement.

Still Running? When to Call a Plumber

If you have checked the flapper, the chain, and the fill valve and the toilet still will not quit, the cause may be deeper, such as a cracked overflow tube, a failing flush valve, or heavy mineral buildup. At that point it is worth bringing in a pro instead of guessing. Our plumbers handle toilet repairs and replacements every day, and when you want an experienced local plumber to sort it out fast, we are a call away.

Don’t Leave a Constantly Running Toilet to Chance

Running toilets may seem harmless, but they lead to bigger problems and a steadily rising water bill. The longer you ignore one, the more money you flush away. So do not let it run.

The plumbers at Armor Plumbing will put a stop to your toilet woes. No matter how simple or stubborn the problem seems, it is no match for our team. Connect with us to diagnose and resolve a constantly running toilet quickly.