That constant sound of running water coming from your toilet isn’t just frustrating—it’s draining your wallet too. A running toilet is one of the most common household plumbing problems, and while it might seem minor, it can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day. Left unchecked, it leads to higher utility bills, unnecessary water waste, and long-term wear on your plumbing system.
The good news? Fixing a running toilet is often easier than you think. In this blog, we’ll walk through the most common reasons your toilet keeps running, how to troubleshoot the issue, and when it’s time to bring in the pros at Affordable Plumbing.
Why Toilets Run Constantly
A properly working toilet refills the tank after each flush and stops once it reaches the correct water level. But when something inside the tank malfunctions—like a seal not closing, a float not rising properly, or a valve that won’t shut off—the water just keeps running.
At the core, a running toilet usually means one thing: water is continuously escaping from the tank to the bowl, and the fill valve keeps trying to replace it. This loop wastes a surprising amount of water, often without any obvious leaks outside the toilet.
Beyond the irritation of hearing it all day (and night), a continuously running toilet can lead to high water bills, increased wear and tear on internal components, and even tank overflow in extreme cases. That’s why it’s important to understand what causes the issue and how to fix it quickly.
Common Causes of a Running Toilet
There are several reasons your toilet might keep running after it’s flushed. Most of them involve small components inside the tank that have worn out, shifted, or broken over time.
Worn-Out Flapper
The flapper is a rubber seal at the bottom of the tank that lifts when you flush, allowing water to flow into the bowl. If it’s worn, warped, or not sealing properly, water leaks through continuously—and the tank never stops refilling.
Flapper Chain Issues
If the chain that connects the flush handle to the flapper is too short, it can prevent the flapper from closing. If it’s too long, it may get tangled or stuck under the flapper. Either way, the result is a steady trickle of water.
Faulty Fill Valve
The fill valve controls the water flow into your tank. If it’s malfunctioning, it might not shut off correctly after filling, causing water to keep flowing even when the tank is full.
Float Position Too High or Low
The float rises with the water level and tells the fill valve when to shut off. If it’s set too high, the tank overfills and drains into the overflow tube. If it’s too low, the toilet may run continuously while trying to reach the proper level.
Cracked Overflow Tube
The overflow tube prevents the tank from overflowing by directing excess water into the bowl. If it’s cracked or broken, water might flow continuously—even if everything else appears to be working.
DIY Troubleshooting Tips
If your toilet keeps running, you might be able to fix the issue yourself with a few basic tools and a little time. Here are some simple steps to help you troubleshoot and possibly stop the problem.
Inspect and Replace the Flapper
Turn off the water supply, flush the toilet to empty the tank, and take a look at the flapper. If it looks worn, stiff, or doesn’t seal properly, replace it—it’s an inexpensive part and easy to swap out.
Adjust the Chain Length
The chain should have just enough slack to let the flapper close fully. If it’s too tight or too loose, adjust it by moving the hook a few links up or down.
Reset the Float or Fill Valve
For ball floats, bend the arm slightly downward so the water shuts off at a lower level. For cup-style floats, adjust the height using the built-in screw or slider on the fill valve shaft.
Check for Cracks or Leaks in the Tank
Use food coloring in the tank to test for slow leaks. If colored water appears in the bowl without flushing, your flapper or another seal may be letting water through. Also check the overflow tube for any signs of damage.
These fixes solve most running toilet issues. But if the problem persists, there may be more going on beneath the surface.
When to Call a Plumber
While many running toilet problems are easy to fix, some situations call for professional help—especially when DIY efforts don’t solve the issue or the cause isn’t obvious.
If you’ve replaced the flapper, adjusted the float, and checked the fill valve but your toilet is still running, there may be a hidden issue with the internal mechanics or the toilet’s water pressure. A plumber can diagnose the problem more thoroughly and ensure no part of your system is being overworked or misaligned.
You should also call a plumber if:
- Water is leaking outside the tank or pooling around the base
- Your toilet tank refills constantly without you touching the handle
- You hear gurgling, hissing, or ghost flushing sounds
- You don’t feel confident replacing parts or identifying the issue
The team at Affordable Plumbing has the tools and experience to quickly pinpoint the cause and get your toilet running properly—without the guesswork.
Fix That Running Toilet with Affordable Plumbing
A running toilet might seem like a small issue, but it can waste hundreds of gallons of water and quietly inflate your utility bill. Whether it’s a worn-out flapper, a misaligned float, or a faulty fill valve, the key is to stop the problem before it gets worse.
Many of these fixes are simple and affordable—but if you’ve tried DIY repairs and the problem persists, it’s time to call in the pros.
Contact Affordable Plumbing today for fast, reliable toilet repair. We’ll fix the issue right the first time and help you save water, money, and peace of mind.