Running toilets can be a major annoyance as well as a massive waste of water. In fact, some larger running toilets can leak over 1 gallon of water per hour. If you leave this issue to escalate for too long, you could see a spike in your water bill. Luckily, it’s not too difficult to find a solution for a running toilet. Let’s take a look at what you can do to fix the issue before it takes a toll on your wallet and home.
Before we figure out how to fix a running toilet, let’s get to the bottom of what could be the root cause. There are four main reasons why a leak might appear. If you notice that your toilet is constantly running, it could be due to one of the following problems.
Running toilets are often associated with old flappers that need to be replaced. Over time, the flapper will wear down and lose its ability to seal properly. This can allow for water to stream constantly from the tank into the toilet bowl. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the flapper.
A lot of running toilets are caused by an issue with the float height. If the float is too high, there will likely be too much water in the tank. This can cause an excess of water to leak from the tank into the bowl from the overflow tube. Adjusting the height of the float should fix the issue.
If the refill tube is too long, it could be positioned improperly within the overflow tube. This can create an imbalance and the refill tube will pump a constant flow of water into the bowl. In this case, you’ll need to trim the refill tube to the proper length.
If all else fails, you’re likely looking at a leaking fill valve. It’s normal for these to break down over time with the need to be replaced. Your running toilet might be caused by an old fill valve if your handle feels loose or you can’t flush at all.
You’ll need to take different steps to fix your toilet depending on the issue causing the running toilet. Here are some of the step-by-step methods you can take to fix the problem.
Can’t seem to figure out what’s wrong with your running toilet? Call in the professionals for backup! To the T Plumbing and Heating is Thornton, Colorado’s premier business for all things plumbing. We are your go-to team for issues big or small. If you’re in need of another set of eyes on your running toilet or any other plumbing issues, give us a call!