Why Does My Toilet Always Sound Like It’s Running?

The most common culprit in a running toilet case is the flapper valve. Also referred to as the flapper, the flapper valve is responsible for sealing the flush valve opening in the toilet tank and thus preventing water from flowing from the toilet tank into the toilet bowl – until the toilet is flushed.

Over time, the flapper can wear out, warp, or become covered in mineral deposits. In short, it might not be sealing the opening. This allows water to leak from the tank into the toilet bowl. Sometimes, however, the flapper may be fine, but the flush valve may be faulty. These two are often checked together.

On a similar note, there may be a problem with the flapper chain. Specifically, the flapper chain may be too tight, which can prevent the flapper from shutting all the way.

Another common cause of a running toilet is a float that is set too high, or a faulty float. In such a case, water will keep flowing into the toilet tank, fruitlessly trying to get to the fill line. All that excess water will flow into the overflow tube and into the toilet bowl. If not for the overflow tube, your toilet tank would, well, overflow.

Fixing a Running Toilet

Carefully remove the lid of your toilet tank and take a look inside. Check to see if the water level is so high that the water is flowing into the overflow tube. If not, check the flapper and flapper chain. Is the flapper forming a tight seal with the flush valve? Sometimes the flapper chain may be stuck on something, preventing the flapper from shutting. If the flapper is worn, then you may have to run to the hardware store to get a replacement.

Why Bother? A Plumber Can Fix It ASAP

A running toilet is not something to ignore. The wasted water can cost you hundreds of dollars. If you don’t want to bother running to the hardware store and fixing the running toilet, then grab the phone and call Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We are happy to give you a price quote UPFRONT and fix that toilet as soon as possible!