A running toilet can be both irritating and wasteful, wasting gallons of water each day, which can drive up your water bill. The good news is, a running toilet is often an easy fix. By diagnosing the problem early, you can prevent further damage and save money.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common causes of a running toilet and how to fix it yourself.
🚨 Why is My Toilet Running?
A toilet that constantly runs usually indicates an issue with one or more of its components. The flapper valve, fill valve, or flush valve may not be functioning properly, causing water to flow into the toilet bowl continuously.
Here are the most common causes:
- Flapper valve is worn or misaligned
- Fill valve is faulty
- Flush valve seal is damaged
- Chain is too tight or too loose
- Overflow tube is too high
- Water pressure issues
🔧 How to Fix a Running Toilet: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Check the Flapper Valve
The most common culprit behind a running toilet is the flapper valve. It’s a rubber seal that sits at the bottom of the tank, preventing water from flowing into the bowl. If it’s worn out, misaligned, or not sealing properly, it will allow water to leak continuously into the toilet bowl.
How to check and fix:
- Lift the tank lid and flush the toilet.
- Observe the flapper at the bottom of the tank. Does it close completely after the flush? If not, it may need to be replaced.
- Clean the flapper with a damp cloth if it appears dirty.
- Replace the flapper if it looks worn out or cracked (they’re inexpensive and easy to find at any hardware store).
2. Adjust the Chain Length
If the chain attached to the flapper is too tight, it may prevent the flapper from closing completely. Conversely, if the chain is too loose, it may not lift the flapper enough during the flush.
How to check and fix:
- Open the tank and check the chain attached to the flush lever.
- If the chain is too tight or too loose, adjust it so that the flapper seals tightly once the flush is complete.
- Aim for about 1 inch of slack between the chain and the flush lever for the proper tension.
3. Inspect the Fill Valve
If the fill valve (also called the ballcock) is faulty, it can cause the toilet to keep filling even after it has reached the proper water level. A fill valve that doesn’t shut off properly can lead to an overflow or continuous water running into the bowl.
How to check and fix:
- Look inside the tank to find the fill valve—it’s the tall piece of equipment usually located on the left side of the tank.
- Check the water level in the tank. The water should be about an inch below the top of the overflow tube. If it’s higher, the fill valve may be malfunctioning.
- Adjust the fill valve by turning the screw on top (clockwise to lower the water level).
- If adjusting the valve doesn’t work, you may need to replace the fill valve. These are typically easy to replace, and replacement kits come with clear instructions.
4. Check the Flush Valve Seal
The flush valve seal is another potential source of leaks. If this rubber seal is worn or damaged, water can leak from the tank into the bowl, causing the toilet to keep running.
How to check and fix:
- Drain the tank by flushing the toilet and shutting off the water supply valve.
- Inspect the flush valve (the large rubber gasket located at the bottom of the tank).
- If it’s cracked or brittle, it should be replaced. You can usually replace the seal by lifting it out and installing a new one.
5. Adjust the Overflow Tube Height
The overflow tube is designed to prevent the tank from overflowing by redirecting excess water into the bowl. If the water level is too high, it may continuously flow into the overflow tube, causing the toilet to run.
How to check and fix:
- Turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to drain the tank.
- Adjust the height of the overflow tube so the water level is about 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube. If needed, adjust the fill valve to achieve the correct water level.
- Replace the tube if it appears cracked or damaged.
6. Check for Water Pressure Issues
Sometimes, the toilet’s running problem could be related to the water pressure in your home. If the pressure is too high, it can cause the fill valve to malfunction and result in a running toilet.
How to check and fix:
- Test your water pressure using a pressure gauge.
- If the pressure is too high (above 80 psi), install a pressure regulator to keep it in check.
- If you’re unsure about adjusting the water pressure, call a plumber for assistance.
🧰 When to Call a Plumber
If you’ve gone through all these steps and the toilet continues to run, it might be time to call a plumber. Professional plumbers can:
- Inspect for any underlying issues you may have missed.
- Replace faulty or worn-out components.
- Help with more complex issues, such as pipe corrosion or water pressure problems.
🚨 Final Thoughts
A running toilet is a frustrating issue, but with a little time and effort, you can often fix it yourself. By following these simple steps, you can save water, avoid wasting money on high utility bills, and restore peace and quiet to your bathroom.
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to call a professional to get the job done quickly and correctly.