Why Is My Toilet Always Running?

It’s frustrating to find out your toilet has been constantly running. Not only does it mean your water bill is growing by the second, but it also indicates an issue in your fixture that needs to be corrected. When it comes to a constantly running commode, a few causes could be the culprit.

One of our goals at Hi-Tech Plumbing & Leak Detect is to take away the stress of household plumbing issues for residents of Edmond, Oklahoma. We want to share a few reasons why your fixture may be running so you won’t be left guessing. Once the problem is found, it can be addressed and solved in no time!

What Are The Risks Of A Constantly Running Toilet?

When your fixture won’t stop running, it can be annoying. However, there are also some risks that accompany this nuisance. A commode that won’t stop flowing can cause the following issues:

• High water bills
• Bathroom flooding
• Clogs
• Sewer backups
• Damage to bathroom floors

It’s best to fix a running toilet as soon as possible to avoid expensive repairs. With the help of our experienced plumbers, you can dodge these hassles and ensure your appliance is operating efficiently.

Causes Of Constant Toilet Running

The cause of a commode that is always running usually originates in the tank. Three main parts inside the tank that can lead to constant running: the overflow tube, the fill valve or flush valve, and the flapper chain.

You can narrow down the source of the problem by placing colored dye into the tank. If the dye seeps into the bowl, the flush valve or flapper chain may be faulty. If no dye flows into the bowl, the issue may stem from the fill valve or overflow tube.

Overflow Tube

The overflow tube is just what it sounds like. It prevents the toilet from overflowing by collecting any excess water in the tank. If the overflow tube is continuously receiving water from the tank, the water level is probably set too high.

To adjust the water level in the tank, locate the float inside the tank and find the screw that connects it to the fill valve. Use a screwdriver to turn the screw counterclockwise very slightly until the water in the tank no longer flows into the overflow tube. You can now flush the appliance to make sure the water stays at the proper level!

Fill Valve

In a functional toilet, the water level will fill to an inch below the top of the overflow tube. However, a faulty fill valve can lead to higher or lower water levels than necessary. To replace the fill valve, you’ll need to turn off the water supply to your fixture and drain it by flushing.

Soak up any remaining water before removing the water supply line from the tank. Remove the old fill valve by unfastening the nut and securing it in place. Then, install the fill valve according to the included instructions and reconnect the water supply line. Once you turn on the water again, the tank will fill immediately and will stop filling when it reaches the float.

Flush Valve Or Flapper Chain

Another reason why a toilet won’t stop running is that the flush valve allows water to constantly leak into the bowl. A few components make up the flush valve, including the flapper chain. If the chain is too short or too long, the flapper won’t be able to seal the opening that allows the tank to drain into the bowl.

A broken flapper can also cause a leak since the seal between the tank and the flapper must be airtight. If there is a crack in the flapper, water will be able to leak into the bowl. Replacing the chain or flapper is fairly simple. However, replacing the flush valve entirely requires the tank to be removed from the bowl. Contact a professional if you believe your flush valve needs to be replaced.

Schedule Toilet Repairs In Edmond

If you live in Edmond, Oklahoma, Hi-Tech Plumbing & Leak Detect is your new plumbing best friend. We can help you find the cause of bathroom plumbing issues or help with Edmond toilet services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!