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Toilet Keeps Running or Won’t Stop Filling: Quick Fixes and When to Call a Plumber
A running toilet is a waste of water and money — until you understand the possible fixes
A running toilet is one of those issues that homeowners try to ignore for as long as possible.
At first, it doesn’t seem like a big deal — just a strange sound coming from the toilet in the
middle of the night or one that doesn’t appear to stop running after the last trip to the
bathroom. Then the water bill arrives, and suddenly that mysterious sound seems a lot more
concerning.
Kramer’s Plumbing hears from homeowners all across North Orange County about running
toilets — and for good reason. This type of issue usually has a fairly simple resolution
involving one or more of the internal parts of the toilet’s tank. It could also be that the
running toilet is an older model that simply needs to be replaced.
This guide covers the most common causes of a running toilet, what you can do to fix it, and
when it makes the most sense to call a professional plumber in Placentia, CA.
First, what exactly is a running toilet?
A running toilet typically refers to one that is continuously wasting water either into the bowl
or by filling the tank. It can be silent and only noticeable when the owner checks the level of
water in the tank, or it can be fairly apparent based on the sound of running water.
According to the EPA, one way to check for a silently running toilet is to put a few drops of
food coloring or a dye tablet in the tank and wait about ten minutes. After this, the owner
should check the bowl for signs of color. If there is any, that means the tank is leaking into
the bowl.
The most common causes of a running toilet
1) Worn flapper
The flapper is the rubber piece at the bottom of the tank that lifts when the handle is flushed
and lowers to stop the flow of water. It can become worn over time so that it no longer
closes properly.
According to the EPA, a common culprit in home leaks is a worn toilet flapper, along with
leaks from faucets and showerheads.
Signs of a worn flapper can include:
The toilet continues to run after the last flush
The tank fills the bowl with water at random intervals
The bowl water gently sloshes back and forth
The dye test shows that the bowl has color when it shouldn’t
The flapper visually appears worn, stuck, cracked, or otherwise faulty
Replacing the flapper can often resolve this type of toilet leak.
2) The chain is either too tight or too loose
The chain connects the toilet handle to the flapper. If it is too tight, it can cause the flapper to stay partially open. If it is too loose, then it may keep the handle from lifting the flapper correctly, resulting in a weak or partial flush.
The solution may be as simple as adjusting the chain so that it is not too tight or too loose.
3) The fill valve is faulty
The fill valve controls the flow of water into the tank. This is what causes it to fill up again after each flush. If it fails, it can result in a toilet that won’t stop running.
Signs of a faulty fill valve can include:
A hissing sound coming from the tank
Water continuously running into the overflow tube
The water in the tank consistently being higher than normal
The tank taking a very long time to fill
The toilet tank filling with water at random intervals
If the owner looks inside the tank and sees water constantly running into the overflow tube, then the fill valve and/or the water level in the tank is probably the culprit. The EPA recommends investigating further if a toilet is running constantly or if water is running into the overflow pipe.
4) The water level is set too high
The water level in the tank is controlled by the float. If it is set too high, then the tank can overflow and cause the toilet to run constantly.
This issue can be mistaken for one with the fill valve, but it may be as simple as lowering the float.
5) The handle is sticking
Sometimes the problem is not with any of the internal mechanics of the toilet but rather with the handle itself. It can get stuck in a position that prevents the flapper from closing completely.
This issue is usually easy to spot — simply flush the toilet and check to see if the handle moves freely. If it does not, then it could be the cause of the running toilet.
6) Mineral deposits are interfering with the mechanics
Households in areas with hard water may notice mineral deposits forming on the internal parts of their toilet tanks. This can interfere with the way the toilet normally functions.
If the owner notices white, hard water deposits on the tank, then this could be the culprit. It may also be accompanied by the sight of discolored or rough water in general. If the deposits are extensive or the toilet is otherwise old, it may make the most sense to simply replace it rather than attempt to clean away the buildup.
What to check before calling a professional plumber
Step 1: Remove the tank lid carefully
Set it aside in a safe location. Many tank lids are fragile and can break if they are not
handled with care.
Once it is removed, flush the toilet so that you can see inside the tank and examine the
mechanics.
Look for:
How much slack there is in the chain
Whether the flapper moves freely
Whether the fill valve is working correctly
Whether water is running into the overflow tube
Whether the handle is sticking
Being able to see what is happening when the toilet is flushed can highlight potential issues.
Step 2: Perform the dye test
Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait for about ten minutes and then check to
see whether any dye has appeared in the bowl.
As mentioned earlier, this is a recommended method of checking for silent leaks according
to the EPA. If there is dye in the bowl, then the tank is leaking into the bowl, and the problem
is likely with the flapper or the flush valve seal.
Step 3: Examine the chain
Check to see how much slack there is in the chain. If it is too tight, it could be preventing the
flapper from closing completely. If it is too loose, then it could cause the toilet to stop
flushing correctly. Adjust the chain as necessary.
Step 4: Check the water level
The water level in the tank should be slightly below the top of the overflow tube in most
cases. If it is higher than this, then the water is overflowing into the overflow tube. The float
probably needs to be adjusted so that the water level is lower.
Step 5: Check whether the handle is sticking
Flush the toilet and make sure the handle moves freely. If it is not, then it could be the cause of the running toilet.
What not to do
Don’t ignore it
A running toilet can waste a large amount of water over time, increasing the water bill.
According to the EPA WaterSense program, a number of household leaks can waste significant amounts of water.
Don’t keep “fixing” it by jiggling the handle
While this can sometimes stop a running toilet, it is only a temporary fix.
Don’t try to force old shutoff valves
If the owner needs to turn off the water to the toilet but the shutoff valve is stiff, they should not try to force it. Older angle stops can break or leak if they are forced.
Don’t assume that all parts are interchangeable
Most toilets have fairly similar parts, but there are some that use canister-style flush valves or otherwise require unique replacement parts.
Don’t ignore an overflowing toilet
An overflowing toilet is not the same thing as a running toilet, but it should be treated as an emergency. If possible, the owner should turn off the water to the toilet at the shutoff valve and then call for professional help as soon as possible.
When does a running toilet require more than just replacing a part?
A running toilet is not always the result of one simple part failure. In some cases, it can be a combination of a few smaller issues, or the toilet could just be old and in need of replacement.
A professional plumber should be contacted if:
The owner has already tried replacing the toilet flapper but it still runs
Water keeps running into the overflow tube
The shutoff valve is leaking
The toilet rocks back and forth
The toilet is running while also having weak or short flushes
The toilet is fairly old and has multiple issues
There is standing or dripping water around the base of the toilet
A rocking toilet can compromise the wax ring seal, resulting in water and/or sewer gas leaking from the base of the toilet.
Repair or replace: Which makes more sense?
A new toilet does not always make the most sense. Repairing a running toilet is often more
cost-effective than replacing it. However, there are some situations where a replacement is
the best option. In addition, some plumbers recommend WaterSense labeled toilets to
homeowners since they have been approved by the EPA for both performance and water
efficiency.
Replacing a running toilet can be a good choice if:
It is extremely old
The parts of the tank are failing
It is wasting a large amount of water
It has a cracked tank or bowl
It frequently clogs
It rocks back and forth or has other stability issues
The owner wants to upgrade to a more efficient model
What does a plumber check when called about a running toilet?
When we are called to a location in Placentia or one of the surrounding cities in North
Orange County, we inspect the entire toilet tank mechanism beyond just the most obvious
issues.
This includes an examination of:
Flapper or flush valve
Chain and handle
Fill valve
Float
Overflow tube
Shutoff valve
Supply line
Tank bolts and gaskets
Stability of the toilet
Condition of the base and whether it is leaking
Our goal is to ensure that the running toilet is repaired and that the owner is aware of any additional potential problems.
A running toilet can be a sign of other water waste issues, especially if it is contributing to a sudden jump in the water bill.
FAQ: Toilet keeps running
Why does my toilet keep running after I flush it?
The most common causes of a toilet running after it has been flushed include a faulty or worn flapper, a faulty or worn chain, a faulty handle, an incorrectly set float, and a faulty fill valve.
How can I test my toilet for leaks?
The easiest way to test for silent leaks is to add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait about ten minutes without flushing the toilet. If there is a leak, the water in the bowl will eventually change color.
Is my running toilet wasting a lot of water?
Toilets are one of the main sources of household leaks, and those leaks can cause the water bill to increase dramatically. Therefore, yes — it is likely that a running toilet is wasting a large amount of water.
Can I fix my running toilet myself?
It depends on the particular issue. Simple fixes for running toilets usually involve making an adjustment or replacing one or more of the tank’s internal parts. If the fill valve, shutoff valve, or flush valve assembly is faulty, however, it may make more sense to call a plumber.
Why is my toilet filling up with water at night?
This is a sign that the toilet is not shutting off correctly and is likely the result of the tank filling the bowl with water at an unneeded interval.
What if water is running into the overflow tube?
That is a sign that the water level is too high or that the fill valve is not working correctly.
What is the difference between repairing and replacing a toilet?
Repairing a running toilet is almost always more cost-effective than replacing it. However, a complete replacement may make more sense if the toilet is old, it is wasting a lot of water, or if the parts are constantly failing.
When should I call a plumber?
A plumber should be called if the running toilet continues after some simple troubleshooting measures have been taken, if the shutoff valve is leaking, if there is standing water around the base of the toilet, or if the problem keeps happening.
Call Kramer’s Plumbing for help with a running toilet in Placentia, CA
When a toilet runs constantly or fills the bowl with water at unneeded intervals, it can waste a large amount of water. Kramer’s Plumbing can help the homeowner troubleshoot, repair, and maintain the toilet. We can check the shutoff valve and let the owner know whether it makes more sense to repair the running toilet or replace it.
Kramer’s Plumbing is a local company serving the residents of Placentia and the surrounding areas, including Fullerton, Brea, Yorba Linda, Anaheim Hills, and more. Our website features information about the experience of our team of plumbers.
Contact us at (714) 260-3986 or through our contact page to request our plumbing services in Placentia, CA.
Backlinks for external support of this blog post
Use the following links within the body or near the end of this blog post to gain backlinks from external websites:
EPA WaterSense home maintenance: covers the toilet dye test and suggests investigating running toilets and those running into the overflow tube.
EPA Fix a Leak Week: promotes year-round leak detection and prevention.
EPA WaterSense residential toilets: explains WaterSense labeled toilets and their benefits.
Kramer’s Plumbing Contact page: builds local trust and improves conversion rates for potential customers in Placentia.
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