Top 5 Reasons Your Toilet Keeps Running (And How to Fix It)
A constantly running toilet is more than just an annoying noise – it wastes water and drives up your water bill. If your toilet won’t stop running, you’re likely losing gallons of water every day without realizing it. Understanding the common causes and how to fix a running toilet can save you money and prevent bigger plumbing issues down the line. Here are the top five reasons your toilet keeps running and what you can do about them.
Faulty or Worn-Out Flapper
The flapper is a rubber valve inside the toilet tank that seals the flush valve opening. When you flush, it lifts to let water flow into the bowl, then closes to refill the tank. Over time, the flapper can become brittle, warped, or covered in sediment, preventing a tight seal. This causes water to leak continuously into the bowl, making your toilet run nonstop.
Fix: Turn off the water supply, drain the tank, and inspect the flapper. If it looks damaged or dirty, replace it with a new one. Flappers are inexpensive and easy to install, often solving the problem quickly.
Improper Flapper Chain Length
The chain connecting the flush handle to the flapper must have the right amount of slack. If it’s too tight, the flapper can’t fully close; if it’s too loose, the flapper won’t lift properly during a flush.
Fix: Adjust the chain length so there is just enough slack for the flapper to seal completely but still lift when flushed. This simple tweak can stop your toilet from running.
Float Position Is Too High
The float controls the water level inside the tank. If it’s set too high, water will spill into the overflow tube, causing the toilet to run constantly.
Fix: Locate the float (a ball or cup-shaped device) and adjust it downward. On older toilets, gently bend the float arm; on newer models, turn a screw or slide a clip to lower the float. This adjustment stops water from overflowing and wasting.
Malfunctioning Fill Valve
The fill valve controls water flow into the tank after a flush. If it’s defective or stuck open, water keeps running into the tank and down the overflow tube.
Fix: Inspect the fill valve for damage or debris. Cleaning or replacing the valve usually resolves the issue. If you notice water leaking around the valve or the supply line, it may need tightening or replacement.
High Water Pressure
Excessively high water pressure can cause the fill valve to malfunction, leading to a running toilet. This is common in older homes or areas with high municipal water pressure.
Fix: A plumber can install a pressure-reducing valve to regulate water pressure, helping your toilet flush smoothly and reducing water waste. Contact your local water supplier or a professional plumber for assistance.
Why a Running Toilet Means a High Water Bill
A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day, significantly increasing your water bill. You can use a drip calculator to estimate just how much water your toilet might be wasting. Fixing it promptly not only saves money but also conserves water, benefiting the environment.
When to Call a Professional
Many running toilet issues are simple DIY fixes. However, if you’ve tried adjusting the flapper, chain, float, and fill valve without success, or if you notice leaks around the base or supply lines, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Complex issues like hidden household leaks, damaged flush valves, or persistent high water pressure require expert diagnosis and repair.
Need Expert Help? Contact Pilot Plumbing Today!
If your toilet won’t stop running and you want fast, reliable service, the team at Pilot Plumbing is here to help. Our experienced plumbers provide expert plumbing repair services to get your toilet working efficiently again. Don’t let a leaking toilet lead to a high water bill and drain your wallet – reach out to us at Pilot Plumbing for professional service you can trust.