What to Do When Your Toilet Will Not Stop Running

A running toilet is one of the most common plumbing problems. The good news: it is usually an easy fix. The bad news: ignoring it can waste thousands of gallons of water.

How Much Water Does a Running Toilet Waste?

A toilet that runs continuously can waste 200+ gallons per day. That is over 6,000 gallons per month and a significant impact on your water bill.

Common Causes of a Running Toilet

1. Worn Flapper

The flapper is a rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. When it wears out, water leaks from the tank into the bowl, causing the fill valve to run constantly.

How to check: Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, the flapper is leaking.

Fix: Replace the flapper. This is an inexpensive part available at any hardware store.

2. Float Set Too High

If the float is set too high, water rises above the overflow tube and drains into the bowl.

How to check: Look at the water level in the tank. If water is flowing into the overflow tube, the float is set too high.

Fix: Adjust the float to lower the water level about an inch below the overflow tube.

3. Faulty Fill Valve

The fill valve controls water entering the tank. When it fails, it may run continuously or cycle on and off randomly.

How to check: If adjusting the float does not help and the flapper is good, the fill valve is likely the problem.

Fix: Replace the fill valve. This is more involved than replacing a flapper but still a reasonable DIY project.

4. Damaged Overflow Tube

Cracks in the overflow tube can cause constant running.

How to check: Inspect the tube for visible cracks or damage.

Fix: This usually requires professional repair.

When to Call a Plumber

Call us if: - You have tried the fixes above and the toilet still runs - The toilet is old and parts are hard to find - You notice water on the floor around the toilet - The toilet runs and rocks or feels loose - You prefer to have it done right the first time

Most running toilet repairs take under an hour. We will diagnose the problem, explain what is wrong, and fix it on the spot.