Common Causes of a Running Toilet and How to Fix Them

A toilet can have problems at any time, such as a blockage or running continuously. You can fix a running toilet by identifying common causes and taking proactive steps to prevent it from getting worse.

Checking the flapper and float ball and adjusting the water level can fix a running toilet, but if the problem persists, you may need professional help. In this blog, we discuss the common causes of a running toilet and how to effectively fix them to prevent future issues and disruptions.

Common Causes of a Running Toilet

A toilet can keep running for several reasons, including a worn flapper, an incorrect water level or a faulty fill valve. You can diagnose the cause by removing the lid and watching carefully after you flush. Here are the common causes of a running toilet.

• Damaged or worn flapper
• Incorrect water level
• Faulty fill valve of the water tank
• Loose or tightened flush valve chain
• Overflow tube problems

Why You Should Not Ignore a Running Toilet

Ignoring a running toilet can waste a lot of water and cause a sudden spike in your energy bills. A constantly running toilet can cause damage to plumbing components in your property, leading to costly repairs.

Water running from a toilet, even a slow leak, can seep into the base and walls, damaging your home’s structural integrity and creating safety risks. Wasting a significant amount of water not only hurts your wallet but also harms the environment.

How to Fix a Running Toilet

A running or constantly filling toilet can be disruptive to your routine and cause serious water damage to the bathroom structure or plumbing. You can fix it by simply examining the components in the water tank and adjusting the water level to the correct setting. Follow these steps to fix a running toilet.

• Step 1: Remove the tank lid and access the components, including the flapper, fill valve, chain, and overflow tube.
• Step 2: Check the rubber flapper seal at the bottom of the tank and close it completely.
• Step 3: Check the water level and adjust the fill valve to stop overflow. If water continues flowing, then replace the fill valve.
• Step 4: Test the toilet by flushing and examining that the water stops at the correct level and the seal closes properly.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

A professional plumber diagnoses and fixes the running toilet properly, preventing future leaks. They identify worn or damaged parts and repair or replace them to keep the toilet running efficiently. Contact a professional plumber if it fails during the DIY process. The common signs that indicate the need to call plumbing specialists are:

• Toilet is leaking from the base.
• Need for new installation or replacement
• Water seeping into the floor base
• Strange noise or gurgling
• Wastage of hundreds of gallons of water
• Increasing water bills

Conclusion

A running toilet can create an overwhelming situation and cause major damage if it goes unnoticed. You can fix a running toilet by removing the tank lid and properly inspecting its components. Make sure the flapper closes properly and adjust the water level.

If the problem persists and you notice signs such as rising water bills, strange noises or water leaking from the base of the toilet, contact a professional plumber from a reliable source such as MSJ Plumbing and Drainage LTD. for a swift solution at any time.