There are many reasons why a homeowner might need to call a plumber. From clearing a clogged drain to installing an in-house water filtration system, residential plumbers are trained to keep every part of your plumbing operating at peak efficiency. One common problem is that plagues homeowners is a running toilet. Below are a few potential causes at play.

Why Your Toilet Won’t Stop Running

1. Flapper Seal

This seal is designed to stop the flow of water from the tank to the bowl of the toilet when filled; when it’s malfunctioning, the fixture will run continuously.

Older toilets have a chain connected to the flapper seal, while newer ones use a flush valve, but they both perform the same function. A plumber needs to adjust the seal so that it fits tightly over the opening to avoid wasting excess water.

2. Improper Chain Length

The seal and the flapper chain work in conjunction to allow water to migrate from the tank to the bowl. When that chain isn’t the right size, the system doesn’t function efficiently.

When it’s too short, it holds the seal back and prevents it from closing entirely. When it’s too long, the excess chain gets stuck under the seal, which makes the toilet continue to run, and the problem won’t go away until the chain is replaced.

3. Faulty Gasket

Gaskets are what prevents water from continuously traveling from the tank into the bowl; over time, they naturally wear down and create gaps that allow the water to seep through.

Initially, it may only be a small amount of water, but the longer you put off the need for repairs, the worse the issue is going to get.

4. Corroded Toilet Handle

With frequent use, it’s not uncommon for the handle itself to be the cause of the problem. As it gets increasingly worn down and corroded, it starts to stick in the down position.

If the toilet is continually flushing, it will continue to run until the handle is raised again and the seal stops the flow of water.

 

Don’t let a running toilet cause your water bills to skyrocket. Instead, get professional repairs from the expert plumbers at Don’s Plumbing in Canyon Lake, TX. For more than 30 years, they’ve provided local residents with a variety of sewer cleaning and repair services to keep their plumbing operating efficiently. They’ll perform a diagnostic test to determine the root cause and provide fast and reliable toilet repairs to prevent running water. Schedule an appointment by calling (830) 964-4477 or learn more about their services online.