Broken toilets are not only inconvenient, but they also waste gallons of water, and increase your monthly utility bills. There are several possible causes of this problem, and fortunately, many of them are easy to fix. Plumbing professionals suggest you look into the following reasons why your toilet won’t stop running.

4 Reasons Your Toilet Continues to Run

1. Wrong Chain Length

To flush properly, the chain in your tank must successfully lift the flapper. If the chain is too short or too long, it won't fully open and close the flapper. Lift the tank lid to see if the flapper is ajar or if the chain is caught under it. Troubleshoot the issue by replacing the chain with one that’s the appropriate length. 

2. Damaged Flapper

Between flushes, the flapper in the toilet tank prevents water from moving through the bowl. If the flapper is old and has leaks or cracks, it’s likely responsible for your continually running toilet. A local plumbing team can outfit your toilet with a new flapper.

3. Misaligned Fill Tube

The fill tube in your toilet refills the bowl with water after each flush. If the tube doesn’t securely connect to the valve, water will continue to flow into the bowl. Ask your plumbing contractor to repair the issue by repositioning the fill tube, so it knows when to stop transporting water.

4. Faulty Fill Valve

The fill valve controls how much water reenters the tank after each flush. Over time, valves can become misaligned, and if the valve doesn’t sit at the correct height, your toilet will continue to run and possibly overflow. Ask your plumbing team to replace or reset it as soon as possible.

 

Keep your toilet and other systems clean and serviceable with house calls from Emery Plumbing. For over 35 years, this small family company, located in Hilo, HI, has provided installations and repairs for water heaters, water lines, septic tanks, and water pumps. Call them at (808) 960-8828 to learn more about the products they carry by Grohe, Rinnai®, Rheem®, and Kohler®. Visit them online to learn more about emergency plumbing and underground services.