A constantly running toilet is one of the most common, toilet-related plumbing problems. In fact, it’s #1 on our list of 10 toilet problems you will regret ignoring.
After all, a properly functioning toilet is critical for your family. Today, we’ll look at why toilets run, how to fix them, and why it’s so important that you fix them fast.
The Danger Of Continuously Running Toilets
It’s easy to see why a constantly running toilet wastes water and drives up your water bill, but a running toilet can also do significant damage to your home.
A constantly running toilet is often caused by underlying problems that decrease the amount of flushable water the toilet can hold in reserve. That means that when you flush, the toilet generates less flushing volume.
That increases your chances of severe blockages and toilet bowl overflow.
What Causes Constantly Running Toilets?
There are three common causes of constantly running toilets. Let’s take a look at each and how to tackle them yourself.
Issues With The Flapper Chain
What It Is
Inside your toilet, there is a chain that connects the flush lever to the flapper that prevents water from leaving the toilet’s tank.
If that chain is too short, or if it has become twisted, the flapper might not be able to seal fully after a flush, keeping your tank from filling enough to shut off the incoming water.
If that chain is too short, or if it has become twisted, the flapper might not be able to seal fully after a flush, keeping your tank from filling enough to shut off the incoming water.
What To Do
- Remove the lid from the tank and take a look at the chain that runs from the flush lever to the flapper.
- Make sure it is properly connected at both ends and that it is not twisted.
- Also, make sure that there is some slack in the chain when the tank is completely full and the flapper is down.
- Give the handle a light jiggle. It should be able to move slightly without triggering a flush.
- If you hear water flowing after slight movement, your chain is probably too short. You will need to lengthen it or replace it with a longer chain.
Issues With Float Adjustment
What It Is
The float is what controls the amount of fresh water allowed in your tank. If it is improperly adjusted, it can either let in too much or too little water.
In the case of an ever-running toilet, the float might be adjusted too high, causing so much water to flow into the tank that it spills into the overflow tube before the float rises high enough to turn off the incoming water.
What To Do
- Remove the lid of the tank and observe the height of the float and water level.
- When completely full, the water level should stop about an inch from the top of the overflow tube.
- Adjust the float so that the water level stops at this level after each flush.
The Flapper Is Not Sealing
What It Is
At the bottom of your toilet’s tank is a round, often red, rubber flapper. When you flush, the chain will lift this flapper, allowing water to pass into the bowl of your toilet.
Over time these flappers can warp or crack or otherwise lose their ability to properly seal.
What To Do
- Shut off the water supply to the toilet.
- Open the tank of the toilet and press the flush lever to empty the tank. It should not refill.
- Simply remove the old flapper and replace it with a new one from the hardware store. Be sure to carefully remove the flush chain and any pins that attach the flapper to the overflow tube. These can be delicate.
- Turn the water supply back on and watch the tank refill. Be sure the flapper falls into place properly as it refills.
Give Us A Call
If your toilet continues to run, give us a call. We’ve been solving problems just like these for fifteen years now. We have the experience to get your constantly running toilet under control fast. So if your toilet’s running, don’t waste another second and give us a call now!
