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April 03,2025

Reasons for a Toilet to Keep Running

A properly working toilet should stop running once the tank has refilled after a flush. If yours is running incessantly, it means there’s a problem that needs to be resolved. Beyond the annoyance, continuous running can hike your water bills. As a homeowner, it can be helpful to understand the main reasons your toilet keeps running and what to do. You can be able to diagnose and resolve minor issues like a tangled flapper chain or a float set too high. However, more complicated culprits should be left to an experienced plumber in Lordstown, OH.

Today, Mr. Rooter Plumbing looks into the common reasons a toilet may keep running and how to fix them. Remember, we are the experts to call when you need professional toilet repair or replacement.

Flapper Valve Issues

This rubber valve sits at the bottom of the toilet tank and controls the flow of water into the bowl when you flush. The flapper may fail to seal properly if it’s worn out, warped, or covered in mineral deposits. As a result, water constantly leaks from the tank into the bowl.

How to fix it:

To solve this issue, turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush to empty the tank. Check the flapper for any signs of wear, like cracks or discoloration. If it looks damaged, replace it with a new one.

Chain Problems

The chain that connects the flush lever to the flapper valve may be too tight or too loose. If the chain is too tight, it can prevent the flapper from fully closing. Conversely, if the chain is too loose, the flapper may not lift high enough to initiate a proper flush, and water may slowly leak from the tank into the bowl.

How to fix it:

Check the length and tension of the chain. If it’s too tight, loosen it a bit to allow the flapper to close properly. If it’s too loose, adjust it so the flapper lifts adequately when you press the flush lever.

Fill Valve Problems

The fill valve controls the flow of water into the toilet tank after a flush. If the fill valve is malfunctioning, it may cause your toilet to keep running. This issue is usually due to debris or sediment buildup inside the valve, or it may simply be due to age or wear.

How to fix it:

Inspect the fill valve for any debris, and clean it using a small brush or cloth. If cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to call a nearby plumber to replace the fill valve.

Misadjusted Float

The float in the toilet tank regulates the water level. If the float is set too high, it can cause the tank to overfill and the water to continuously spill into the overflow tube. A misadjusted float can often be the culprit behind a constantly running toilet.

How to fix it:

Adjust the float by bending the float arm or adjusting the height of the float ball. For a cylindrical float, simply slide it up or down to change the water level.

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Leaks in the Tank

Sometimes, a running toilet could be caused by a small leak in the tank. Cracks in the tank or worn-out gaskets may cause water to seep out.

How to fix it:

Inspect the tank for any visible cracks or leaks. If you find a crack in the tank, call a local plumbing repair service to replace the entire toilet. For minor leaks, replacing gaskets or seals can solve the problem.

Trust the Experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing for All Your Toilet Plumbing Needs

If you’ve tried fixing a running toilet with no success, call the team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing for toilet repair. There are a few toilet problems you can diagnose and fix on your own. However, things can get complicated quickly when you’re dealing with issues such as a cracked tank, a broken fill valve, or a deteriorated flapper seal. With over 50 years of industry experience, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is your one-stop shop for all things toilet plumbing.

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