How to fix a running toilet

March 12, 2017


running toilet

A running toilet is one of the more annoying issues you can have in your bathroom. While the sound of a running toilet can be hard to bear, the cost on your wallet can be even worse. A running toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water per week. As a result, you could be wasting up to $75 a month on your water bill. While it is always best to consult a professional, there are things any homeowner can do to fix a running toilet.

Determine what’s causing the problem. There are a few common issues that can cause a toilet to run; for these, luckily, there are easy repairs.

  1. A disconnected or ill-fitting chain between flush lever and rubber flapper. Occasionally the chain can become dislodged from one end. Reattaching it is typically simple. The chain should be tight enough that when the lever is pushed it lifts the flapper, but not so tight that the flapper cannot close.

  2. A broken flapper. Overtime, the flapper can become deformed and the hinges can break. This will keep it from properly sealing and stopping the flow of water. Obvious deformations or discoloration can be a sign of this. A new flapper should fix this issue.

  3. An ill-positioned float. A toilet is full when the water fills just below the overflow pipe. If it fills higher, the float for the pump could be too high. To fix this, bend the rod connecting the float to the pump so that it is positioned lower.

  4. Broken fill tube or valve. Like any equipment in your home, parts of your toilet can wear down and break overtime. If water continues to fill the toilet after the flapper is closed, the issue is the fill tube. If the float and fill tube aren’t the issue, the fill valve likely is.

A running toilet can be easily solved by any homeowner. If your toilet’s issues aren’t due to any of these causes, it may be time to call in the professionals.

If you’re having issues with your plumbing, contact us today!

 

Last Updated: March 21, 2024