Why do I have a running toilet?

The job of a toilet is simple: flush whatever is in the bowl and it’s done. However, problems will arise and one of those is the toilet not stopping. This is commonly referred to as a “running toilet.” There are several reasons why this happens.

Flapper

The flapper is the rubber or plastic cap that seals to prevent water from constantly passing from the tank to the bowl. Flappers decay with age and when that happens, they don’t seal quite as well.

Chain

The chain that is attached to the flapper can sometimes be too long. If this is the case and it gets caught on something, the toilet will continue to run. A chain that is too short will not allow the flapper to seal. Make sure that it is the proper length.

Float Ball and Float Arm

The float ball tells your toilet when to stop filling the tank with water. A float ball that isn’t high enough won’t stop the water from passing through. If the ball is rubbing against the side of the tank, this could be the cause of the problem. A crack in the ball can also cause a running toilet.

Refill Tube

The refill tube is a small, flexible tube inside your toilet tank. This tube is what water passes through from the tank to the bowl. A tube that isn’t positioned properly or is too long can also be the culprit.

Professional Assistance

Sometimes a running toilet can be a DIY fix, but don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber if you need help. Contact 1-800-anytyme via our contact form or call (760) 477-0072 to speak with a member of our team today. We would be happy to help you out!