How to Fix a Running Toilet

Quickly Resolve This Pesky Plumbing Issue

If your toilet is constantly running, it won't take long before you become annoyed with the sound it makes. However, a running toilet is more than a nuisance; it can result in a lot of wasted water and cause your utility bill to spike. This generally happens because the water supply to the tank is continually refilling due to a faulty component or issue, such as a flapper that isn't sealing properly, a defective fill valve, or a worn-out flapper chain.

Luckily, the cause of a running toilet can often be easily identified and resolved. If you're unable to fix the problem on your own, you can rest assured that Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Southeast Georgia will be there to assist you. Our courteous Douglas plumbers have the tools and expertise to get your toilet back in working order.

Continue reading to learn how you can attempt to diagnose and resolve a running toilet on your own!

Identify the Cause of the Problem

The first step to fixing a running toilet is to identify the cause of the problem. To do this, you should check for any signs of leakage from the tank and then look for other reasons why the toilet might be running constantly. One sign that something is wrong is if your toilet tank constantly refills even when it hasn't been flushed. This is likely caused by a faulty flapper or fill valve.

The flapper is a rubber component at the bottom of the tank that seals the flush valve outlet to prevent water from continuously running into the bowl. The fill valve helps regulate the flow of water back into the tank as it refills after each flush. If either one of these components isn't working properly, your toilet will continue to run until they are replaced.

You may also want to check your flapper chain, as an overly long chain can prevent the flapper from sealing completely, causing water to leak into the bowl and make your toilet run continuously.

How to Fix Your Toilet

Once you have identified the cause of your running toilet, it's time to start the repair process. Depending on the issue, you may be able to fix it quickly and easily yourself or require assistance from a qualified Douglas plumber.

Follow these seven steps to fix your running toilet:

• Step One: Shut off the water supply to your toilet tank by turning off the valve behind it.
• Step Two: Flush your toilet to empty the tank, and then remove any excess water with a sponge or towel.
• Step Three: Open up the tank by loosening the screws that secure the lid in place.
• Step Four: Check for signs of leakage and inspect all components including the flapper and fill valve. Make sure the flush handle isn't sticking.
• Step Five: If either one of these parts is worn out or damaged, replace them with new parts that match your toilet's make and model.
• Step Six: Reattach any chains or hoses that have been disconnected or damaged before replacing the tank lid.
• Step Seven: Turn on your water supply valve to refill your toilet tank before testing if it works properly by flushing it multiple times in a row.

If everything is working correctly now, you are done! Your toilet should refill to the proper level after each flush before shutting off automatically. However, if it continues running after this process then it's best to call an experienced Douglas plumbing company like Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Southeast Georgia for assistance.

Can't Fix Your Running Toilet? Call Our Douglas Plumbing Company

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Southeast Georgia is the premier plumbing repair service in Douglas, Tifton, Waycross, and beyond. Our experienced technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide fast and reliable repairs for any kind of plumbing issue you may face – from drain cleaning to toilet repairs. We never charge overtime fees, so no matter when you call us, you know that you’ll always get top-notch service at a reasonable price.

If your toilet is running constantly or leaking water, our Douglas plumbers have the expertise to diagnose the problem quickly and get it fixed as soon as possible. Whether it’s caused by a faulty flapper or fill valve, or something else, we can identify the cause of your running toilet and replace any worn-out components with new parts that match your make and model perfectly.