When you walk into your bathroom, do you hear water flowing through your toilet even though it hasn’t been flushed? This means that your toilet is constantly running, which can waste incredible amounts of water every day. Know the most common reasons that a toilet runs so you can troubleshoot this issue and have your plumber fix it as soon as possible.

A Guide to Diagnosing a Running Toilet

1. There’s a Leak into the Bowl

If you suspect there’s a leak into the bowl, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Leave the toilet overnight and do not flush it. If any of the food coloring has entered your bowl by morning, then the tank is leaking. Your plumber will need to locate the leak to fix it.  Some common culprits include the fill valve, the overflow tube, or the seal around the flapper at the bottom of the tank. In the meantime, shut off the main water valve at the back of the toilet to avoid wasting water.

2. The Chain Is Disrupted

The chain connects the toilet handle to the flapper at the bottom of the tank, and it opens the water flow to the bowl when you flush. Check that the toilet chain is not unhooked. If so, you should be able to just attach it to the hook on the flapper at the bottom.

3. The Toilet Handle Needs Replacement

The toilet handle controls all the flushing, so if there’s something wrong with that handle, the system may run. Jiggle the handle to see if it was stuck. If this fixes the issue, pay attention to how often the it gets stuck. If it’s more than a few times a year, your handle is faulty, and you’ll want your plumber to replace it.

A terrific plumber will keep all of your plumbing and drainage systems in good condition, so you don’t waste water. The team at A All Valley Plumbing & Sewer Service offers 24-hour plumber services throughout the Tri-State area. To best serve you, they have a master plumber on staff and are members of many professional organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and the Ohio Plumbing Association. They guarantee their work for your peace of mind and protection. Contact them online or at (513) 733-3311 for an estimate.