A running toilet is not only an annoyance but can also increase your water bill. And the sound of water constantly running can be pretty frustrating—especially if it occurs late at night when everyone is asleep.
Thankfully, the cause of a running toilet is usually straightforward. With some basic plumbing knowledge, you can fix it yourself.
In this article, we’ll look at some common causes of a running toilet and how you can fix them. So keep reading to learn more!
Your Toilet Flapper Is Damaged
The toilet flapper is a rubber valve at the bottom of the toilet tank that controls water flow from the tank to the toilet bowl. When the toilet is flushed, the flapper opens to allow water to flow into the bowl, and then it closes to stop the water flow.
If the flapper is worn out, damaged, or doesn’t close, it can cause a running toilet. To check if the flapper is the cause of your running toilet, add food coloring—just a couple of drops—to the water in the tank. If the water in the toilet bowl changes color within a few minutes, the flapper is not sealing.
Replacing the toilet flapper is an easy and inexpensive fix. You can buy a replacement flapper at your local hardware store or online and install it yourself.
The Fill Valve Is Functioning Incorrectly
The fill valve is the mechanism that fills the toilet tank with water after it flushes. If the fill valve cannot function as it should, it may cause a running toilet, resulting in a higher water bill.
To check if the fill valve is the cause of your running toilet, turn your water supply off to the toilet and flush it. If the water level in the toilet bowl drops, your fill valve is not working right.
Replacing your fill valve is more complicated than replacing the flapper. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you can call a plumber to do it for you.
The Overflow Tube Is Working Improperly
The overflow tube is a crucial toilet component that prevents water from overflowing onto the bathroom floor. But, if the overflow tube is not working right, it can cause a running toilet.
To check if the overflow tube is the cause of your running toilet, remove the tank lid and see if the water level in the tank is up to the top of the overflow tube. If the water level is higher than the overflow tube, the tube is not working as it should.
Replacing the overflow tube is more complicated than replacing the flapper. But if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always call a plumber to do it for you.
The Cost of Ignoring a Running Toilet
Ignoring a running toilet can lead to more significant problems than an annoying sound or the inconvenience of jiggling the handle to stop the water flow. A running toilet could cost you a lot of wasted water and higher water bills.
While fixing a running toilet by a professional plumber can range from $100 to $400, delaying the repair can cost much more in a few weeks. And a single running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water daily, adding up to thousands in a few weeks. That can increase your water bill by an estimated $200 a month.
Apart from the financial burden, a running toilet is also wasteful and can contribute to water scarcity, a growing concern in many parts of the world. Moreover, delaying the repair of a running toilet is costly and harmful to the environment.
Therefore, addressing any running toilet issues as soon as possible is crucial. Don’t let a minor problem turn into a big one that can cost you a lot of money and harm the environment. Instead, act fast and get professional help to fix your running toilet.
Get Expert Toilet Repairs in San Diego County
Several factors can cause a running toilet that you can fix yourself. But if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, you can always call a plumber to fix it.
At Drain Masters Plumbing Company, we offer 24-hour emergency services in San Diego County. Our experienced plumbers can fix any plumbing issue, including running toilets, in no time.
Don’t let a running toilet waste your money and precious water resources. Contact Drain Masters Plumbing Company today and let us help you fix your running toilet.