Why Your Toilet Is Constantly Running and DIY Tips to Fix It

Are you fed up with constantly hearing your toilet running? Is the sound of a running toilet so normal in your home that it would be weird to not hear it?

A constantly running toilet is not only a major annoyance for many homeowners, but it also wastes energy and makes it more difficult for the next person who uses the toilet to flush. Constantly running toilets are also more likely to experience other issues such as clogs or blockages.

Here we will examine the exact reasons why your toilet could be running and what you could do at home to stop it.

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Issue # 1: Problems with the Fill Tube

The fill tube is a small tube that siphons water into the overflow drain. This thin tube works to refill the toilet once it’s been flushed. If there is an issue with the fill tube, your toilet will constantly run and your toilet bowl will not fill up properly.

To troubleshoot this issue, try flushing the toilet with the tank lid off to see what happens to the fill tube once the toilet is flushed. If the fill tube is pouring water into the tank, you may need to replace it or reposition it so that the water will enter the overflow tank.

Issue # 2: Incorrect Fill Height

The fill height refers to how much water is stored in the tank and bowl. If the fill height is set too low, the toilet will keep running. If the fill height is set too high, you run the risk of overflowing the toilet.

The fill height is managed by a mechanism called the fill valve. Most toilets use one of these two mechanisms to control the fill height:

Ballcock: This is the mechanism found in most older toilets. It consists of a float attached to an arm that swings down when the water in the tank is released. As the water refills the tank and rises, the float moves up to the fill height.

Cylinder: This type of component is most often found in new toilets. It works on the same principle as a ballcock, however, this mechanism is a cylinder that is attached to the fill valve. As the water level drops and rises, the cylinder also drops and rises to the fill height.

Issue # 3: Worn-out Flapper

Over time, the flapper in your toilet tank could become worn out or damaged from regular use. The flapper’s job is to seal the tank when the water starts to refill so that the tank is ready for the next flush. If the flapper is worn out or leaking, the toilet will continuously run. Look for damage to the rubber flapper at the bottom of your tank.

If it’s cracked, split or looks to be bubbling or peeling at the edges, you will want to replace the flapper with a new one. Another common issue that affects these flappers is the length of chain used to hold them in place. If the chain is too short, the flapper may have trouble sealing, and the toilet will continuously run.

When you need professional toilet and plumbing help, trust the experts at PlumbCrazy in Abingdon, MD. Call 410-679-7575 today and book an appointment with one of our toilet specialists.