One of the most common home plumbing problems is a constantly running toilet. This can waste hundreds of gallons of water daily and raise your household energy costs. A few simple checks and fixes can prevent this problem, but the most common culprit is a worn-out flapper or fill valve. Thankfully, these are easy to fix on your own and can be completed in just a few minutes.
The first thing you should do if your toilet is continuously running fix a running toilet is turn off the water supply to the tank. After doing this, flush the toilet. You may hear a hissing sound, but this is normal and is caused by air in the pipes. Then, look at the water level in the tank and make sure it is about an inch below the overflow tube. If it isn’t, adjust it to this height.
Next, check the chain that connects your toilet handle to the flapper. If the chain is too long, it can get tangled and keep the flapper from sealing correctly. Shorten the chain by using a pair of cutting pliers. You can also use a bucket to catch the overflow, allowing you to see the chain and check for a tight seal. Make sure there’s about an inch of slack in the chain before you close the flapper and start the toilet again.
If the flapper is old and worn out, it will not be able to seal properly, leading to a continuous flow of water into the bowl. It’s a relatively easy replacement job and you can purchase one at your local hardware store. Once you remove the old flapper and replace it with the new one, you’ll need to screw the chain back on and reconnect the overflow tube.
Another common cause of a continuous running toilet is a malfunctioning or improperly adjusted fill valve. It could be set too high or too low, causing the toilet to run. This is usually an easy fix and can be done by adjusting the water level in the tank.
If you’re not comfortable attempting to do these simple steps, or the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Plumber. Our experienced plumbing technicians can troubleshoot the issue and solve it quickly and effectively. Give us a call today!