A running toilet indicates that you likely have a leak somewhere in your plumbing. Even if you think there’s no immediate cause for concern, you shouldn’t let it run indefinitely as leaks waste water and can significantly increase your water bill. While you wait for a plumber to arrive, here are a few potential culprits behind this common plumbing issue. 

Why Is Your Toilet Running? 

1. Leaky Fill Valve

To identify a leaky fill valve, remove the top of the toilet tank and flush the toilet, holding up the float arm as you do so. This should stop the water from refilling the tank. If the water continues to flow into the tank, it’s likely that the fill valve has a leak and needs to be replaced by a plumber.

2. Warped Flapper Seal or Flush Valve

A common culprit behind water leaks, this part looks different in older or newer toilets. In older models, it consists of a chain and flapper seal, while in newer models, it looks like a flush valve. However, these parts do the same thing: regulate the flow of water from the tank to the bowl. When these parts become warped or cracked, they make an incomplete seal that allows water to run continuously into the bowl. Plumbers recommend putting a little food coloring in the tank water and then watching for the colored water to emerge in the toilet bowl without flushing. If this happens, you’ve found the source of the leak.

3. Cracked Float Ball

The float ball is connected to the float arm. It’s positioned so that once the ball rises, the water stops flowing in. Inspect the action of the ball as you flush the toilet. Make sure it isn’t touching the side of the tank or being impeded from rising by other parts. If the action appears to be fine, check that the ball doesn’t have cracks, as this could also prevent it from rising properly.

4. Flapper Chain

If your toilet has the older flapper chain and seal, look to see if the chain itself is too long or too short to let the seal move into position correctly. Adjust the chain as necessary if so.

5. Corroded Toilet Handle

An old or compromised toilet handle will stick in the “down” position after you flush. This will make the toilet run. If you have to jiggle the handle or manually push it back up after flushing, it’s time to have a plumber replace the part.

K & G Plumbing & Heating in Hastings, NE, offers full-service plumbing installation and repair work. Whether repairing old plumbing or installing systems in a new home, these experienced plumbers have the expertise to help you. From septic tank inspections to pipe clogs, they handle it all. Call (402) 463-4470 for an estimate or visit the website to learn more about their services.