My Toilet Keeps Running. What Should I Do?

Few plumbing problems cause more stress than an overactive toilet. In addition to running up the water bill and wasting resources, it might signal you need to hire a plumber in a hurry. If you wonder, “What should I do when my toilet keeps running?” stop worrying and trust the professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Monterey to provide expert advice and service to solve the problem.

First Things First. Turn Off the Water to the Toilet

The first thing you should do when your toilet keeps running is shut off the water using the valve usually found on the wall behind the toilet's base. Then, drain the toilet by lifting the tank lid and flushing the toilet while holding down the valve inside until all the water has drained. Check the chain connected from the flush handle to the flapper to see if it is intact. Sometimes, the chain can break or slip off, causing the toilet to run continually. If the chain is intact and properly secured, this isn’t the likely source of your problem. Inspect the toilet for leaks at the base and from the tank. Leaks can indicate a larger problem requiring a pipe or fixture replacement.

Check the Internal Toilet Parts in the Tank

Once the tank is drained, check the flapper for damage or dirt, which may cause it to malfunction. If the flapper is intact, you may have a problem with your fill valve. Check to see whether the fill tube is attached to the fill valve. If this has come loose, your toilet may run when the water is turned on. If it is attached, ensure that it is secured. Push it firmly into the valve. If it continues to loosen, it is advisable to call a licensed plumber to take a look. You may need a simple replacement of one or both of these parts. A broken fill valve will cause the toilet to constantly flow water into the overflow tube in the middle of the tank, and your toilet will continue to run once you turn back on the water.

Turn the Water Back on to Check the Water Fill Height

Next, you want to check the fill height by assessing the float. You must turn the water back on and refill the tank to do this step. The float is adjustable and controls the water level in your toilet’s tank. The toilet will not flush or refill properly if the water is too high or too low. A plumbing professional can easily replace a defective float.

Nothing is Working. The Toilet Still Runs

If you have inspected each part of your toilet and are still unsure what is causing it to keep running, contact your local, licensed, and insured Mr. Rooter Plumbing expert for a free onsite assessment. We offer flexible appointment scheduling, prompt responses, and reliable service to keep your toilet in working order. When your toilet is broken, your entire home or business is impacted. Our plumbing professionals are equipped to provide expert guidance in restoring your toilet to its full capacity.

Don’t Let Money Run Down Drain. Call Now for a Free Estimate.

A toilet that keeps running can waste several hundred gallons of water daily and significantly increase your water bill. You can avoid these problems by calling Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Monterey to assess and repair or replace the broken fixtures on your toilet. Do not delay calling for service when your toilet keeps running. A simple fix can likely be provided, but you don’t want to ignore a problem that could indicate a pending leak from a busted pipe or broken valve. Toilet waste is not something you want to mess around with regarding bathroom plumbing maintenance and repair.