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After a clogged toilet, the next most frustrating plumbing problem is a toilet that is constantly running. There are a few issues that may be the culprit, most of which are easy fixes. Below are a few of the most common reasons your toilet may be running.

Why Is My Toilet Running? 

1. Leaks

The sound of a toilet constantly running can sometimes be caused by a leak. To check this, put a few drops of bright food coloring into the toilet tank before bedtime. In the morning, if there is colored water in the bowl, you know there’s a leak. A plumber can address the issue and determine if it was caused by a clogged toilet or another problem. 

2. Toilet Flapper

clogged-toiletInside the tank, the toilet has a chain attached to a flapper. The flapper lifts when the toilet flushes, and closes over the drain when the water refills. If the flapper is damaged, it won’t close over the drain properly. This means water will constantly run to refill the tank. A plumber can easily replace the flapper if necessary. 

3. Float

The float tells the fill valve in the tank when the toilet is full. Watch the toilet tank fill. When the water level rises to the line around the inside of the tank, does it stop or keep going? If it overfills, then the water is going into the overflow tube, which is the source of the toilet running. If the water is too low, water will keep filling. A damaged float or one that has water inside will not correctly indicate when the tank is full. A plumber can tell whether the float needs to be raised or lowered. 

4. Fill Valve

A plumber’s last resort is to replace the fill valve. They will turn off the water to the toilet and drain the tank, then disconnect the water supply line on the outside of the toilet. They then remove the fill valve and install the new part. 

 

A running toilet wastes gallons of water and increases your water bill, so have it fixed right away. Since 1976, Taylor’s Drain & Sewer Service, in Lincoln, NE, has offered water jetting, sewer and septic cleaning and pumping, plumbing inspections, and rooter services for clogged toilets and drains. Call (402) 474-5213 for an estimate or emergency assistance with a clogged toilet. Visit the website for more information about services.

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