Why Your Toilet Keeps Running and Simple Ways to Fix It Quickly

Have you ever noticed those annoying sounds while walking past your bathroom? These constant sounds can get even more embarrassing if you have guests over.

Well, the reason behind these sounds is a result of faulty plumbing, which can, in turn, lead to water wastage. As a result, you will end up paying higher monthly water bills.

However, this is a very common issue, and trust us when we say that you are not the only homeowner facing these issues. The good news is that this issue can easily be addressed and resolved with the help of a professional and experienced plumber. But first, let's find out the main reason for your toilet to keep running like this.

Before you pick up your mobile to look for a local emergency plumbing contractor, let’s take a look at the reasons why your toilet keeps running.

Why Does a Toilet Keep Running?

Basically, the inside of a toilet tank comprises a few ‘key’ parts that work in synchronization for the flush to work and refill accordingly. So, if one of these important parts gets worn out, your toilet will start ‘running’. Here are some of the major faults that might occur within a toilet tank:

1. The Flapper Isn’t Sealing

The flapper in your tank is the rubber part at the very bottom, which lifts when you flush to allow the water to rush into the bowl. Once refilled, the flapper should drop back down and seal tightly. However, if it is old, cracked, or covered in dirt, the water keeps leaking past it, with the tank trying to refill it ‘forever’.

How to fix it:

Start by turning off the water to the toilet, emptying the tank by flushing, and closely examining the flapper. If it appears worn out, you need a replacement. Do it now, and your toilet will be back to normal.

2. The Float Is Set Too High

The ‘tank float’ is the part that rises along with the water level. Once it reaches the specific height, it ‘signals’ the valve to shut off. But, if it is adjusted too high up, then the water will continue to run past the overflow tube.

How to fix it:

Fixing the floats can be done simply with the turn of a screw or by pinching a clip. Next, lower it a bit so that the water stops at just about an inch below the top of the overflow tube. This tiny tweak can easily make all the difference.

3. The Fill Tube Is Out of Place

There is a small rubber tube within the tank that runs from the fill valve into the overflow tube. This is used to refill the bowl after every flush. If it slips out of place, the water may flow into the tank instead of the overflow tube, resulting in a continuous running sound.

How to fix it:

The simple fix is to place the tube back into the overflow tube so that water flows directly into it.

When a Simple Fix Isn’t Enough

There are times when the problem is a lot more than just the flapper or the float. Despite all the fixes, if your toilet is still running, then there is a deeper issue that needs professional assistance. Certain problems, such as a cracked tank, a faulty fill valve, or the complete plumbing system altogether, can be the main reason.

Frequently Asked Questions