Why Does My Toilet Keep Running? (DIY Troubleshooting)
Why Does My Toilet Keep Running And How Can I Fix It Myself?
A running toilet is not only annoying. It also costs you money. Water leaking from the tank into the bowl means you’re using more water than you should. That can cost you anywhere from a few dollars a month on your bill to $1,000 or more every year!
After you flush the toilet, water drains from the tank to refill the bowl. But, the problem occurs when a small amount of water keeps dripping from the tank. It’s never enough to overflow the toilet, but it’s enough to cause a problem.
Fortunately, you can often solve the problem with a quick trip to the hardware store. If you’re handy, we’ll walk you through a few simple ways to troubleshoot and fix a running toilet.
But, we don’t recommend going the DIY route if you’re not comfortable with these kinds of repairs. Or if the problem won’t go away.
In both these cases, you are way better off calling a plumber. Otherwise, you’ll waste time and money. Or, even worse, you’ll end up with a larger bill because something broke — or significant water damage if something goes wrong.
Related: Four Ways To Prevent Water Leaks In Your Shore Home This Winter
Either way, we encourage you to keep reading, so you at least know what to look for. And, if it’s time to call a professional out to your South Jersey home, call Broadleys at (609) 525-4080.
Three Reasons Your Toilet Keeps Running (And How To Stop It)
Here are the four most common reasons your toilet keeps running, plus how you can fix it yourself:
- The Flapper Is Leaking
- The Refill Tube Is Too Long
- The Float Height Is Wrong
The Flapper Valve Is Leaking
The toilet flapper valve is that round, rubber stopper at the bottom of the tank. When you press the handle on the outside, the valve lifts and allows water to drain into the bowl.
However, water seeps out around that flapper if it doesn’t seal properly when it comes back down. That’s when you get that constant or intermittent running — sometimes called “ghost flushing.” Water’s constantly draining, even if it’s a little at a time.
How To Fix It
Try adjusting the flapper manually. Maybe it just landed wrong one time. Or jiggle the handle just a little to set it better. If the chain leading from the handle to the flapper is kinked, it won’t go down all the way.
If you’ve had this problem for a while, the chain may be too short. Or, the flapper is old and won’t seal. You can replace it easily: Turn off the water and drain the tank. Then, take out the old one and attach a new one to the end of the chain.
Related: Why Are My Faucets Dripping (And Can I Fix It Myself)?
The Refill Tube Is Too Long
Your refill tube is that flexible line running from the fill valve to the overflow tube (those two “columns” inside the tank). When it’s too long and too far into the overflow tube, it sends up siphoning water from the fill valve.
The running you’re hearing is water from the tank dripping through the refill tube into the overflow tube and down into the tank between flushes.
How To Fix It
Pull the tube out of the overflow and cut it with a pair of scissors, so it’s short enough to just reach into the overflow tube. Just remember to measure, so you don’t cut it too short!
The refill tube should just reach over the side of the overflow tube. If there’s a clip available, use it to attach the refill tube to the side of the overflow tube.
Related: Four Possible Causes For Low Water Pressure In Your Home
The Float Height Is Wrong
The float ball rises as the water level in the tank increases. Once it reaches the right level, the float ball shuts off the water flow into the tank. Then, you’re all set for the next flush.
However, if the float arm is not adjusted to the right height, your toilet tank never stops filling. The float ball is never high enough to trigger the refill tube to shut off the water supply. Then, all the excess water keeps draining from the overflow tube into the bowl.
How To Fix It
All you need to do is carefully adjust the float arm to stop the water supply when it should. Once the tank is full, but water is still coming in, loosen the screw at the top of the float arm.
Then, gently move the float arm until it’s in a position where the float ball rests on top of the water, and the water supply shuts off. Then, tighten the screw again.
Check the positioning by flushing the toilet again. If you got it right, the water stops running when the float ball reaches the right level.
When To Call A Plumber For A Toilet That Won’t Stop Running
If you’re noticing other leakages, or you’ve tried these fixes but the toilet still keeps running, it’s time to call a plumber. Most of the time, addressing the three fixes we listed here solves the problem. If it doesn’t, however, you should call someone right away.
Related: How To Find A Water Leak In Your South Jersey Home
The last thing you want is a plumbing problem to start out small but get much more extensive. That’s when you risk water damage or, at the least, a more expensive repair when there’s more to address.
Expert Plumber Service In Upper Township, NJ
Broadley’s has been the trusted name for expert plumber service in Upper Township, NJ and across South Jersey for more than a century. We have an excellent reputation and hundreds of five-star Google reviews thanks to our work in homes and businesses in Cape May and Atlantic counties. Click below or call us at (609) 525-4080.