How to Fix a Toilet That Won’t Stop Running After Flushing

A toilet that keeps running after you flush isn’t just annoying to the sight— it can waste a ton of water and run up your utility bills. In fact, a small toilet leak alone can waste up to 30 gallons a day. That’s like flushing your toilet 13 times for no reason!

Thankfully, plugging the leak from a running toilet isn’t a heavy lift. It’s basically a quick repair you can do on your own without booking your most trusted plumber.

Here’s how you can get your running toilet back in working order.

1. Check the Flapper

The flapper is the rubber valve at the bottom of your toilet tank that controls water flow into the bowl. Over time, flappers can get worn out, warped, or even covered in mineral buildup, preventing them from creating a proper seal.Start by shutting off the water supply and emptying the tank. Next, detach the flapper chain and unhook the flapper from its pegs. To install the new flapper, simply follow the reverse of the removal process, reconnecting everything securely to the flush valve. Once you’ve swapped it out, make sure it fits snugly and creates the ideal seal to stop the water flow.

2. Adjust the Chain

The chain that connects the flush lever to the flapper can often be the culprit to your leaky toilet. If the chain is too tight, it might prevent the flapper from sealing properly after you flush, causing water to keep running into the bowl.

Check the chain for any slack and adjust it so that the flapper closes completely after you flush. Make sure there’s just enough slack for the flapper to lift when you flush, but not so much that it gets tangled or stuck.

3. Adjust the Float

The float in your toilet tank controls the water level. If it’s too high, the fill valve will continue to let water into the tank, which can lead to the toilet running constantly.

Locate the float (it’s usually a ball or a cup attached to the fill valve) and adjust it to a lower setting. The water level should be about an inch below the overflow tube. If the float is damaged or stuck, you might need to replace it to ensure your toilet fills properly.

4. Inspect the Fill Valve

The fill valve is the mechanism that controls how water fills the tank. If it’s malfunctioning, it can cause water to keep running into the tank and overflow into the bowl.

Check the fill valve for any issues. If it’s stuck or faulty, it may need an adjustment or replacement. Many fill valves have a screw or knob that you can turn to adjust the water level. If adjusting doesn’t work, replacing the fill valve is an easy fix — and you can find them at most hardware stores.

5. Examine the Overflow Tube

The overflow tube does exactly as it sounds— preventing the tank from overflowing when the water gets too high. If the water level is set too deep, it can continuously flow into the overflow tube, making your toilet run all the time.Check the water level in your tank. If it’s too high and spilling into the overflow tube, lower it using the fill valve adjustment. If the overflow tube is cracked or damaged, it may need to be replaced, and you might need to install a new flush valve assembly. You can always book a toilets repair if this task becomes a notch more challenging to your DIY skills.

Restore Your Toilet’s Working Order— Call Ascent Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Heating for Fast Toilet Repairs

DIY repairs are always fun and empowering. But sometimes, plumbing troubles can really challenge the limits of your DIY savviness. So, if your toilet is still running after trying these fixes, let the pros take over.

At Ascent Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re experts in all things plumbing and can quickly diagnose and fix any toilet issue. Whether it’s a tricky fill valve or a stubborn overflow tube, we’ve got the tools and knowledge to get your toilet back to normal. If your toilets repair needs go beyond your flair for DIY, we’re the one to call!

Contact us today, and we’ll get your toilet working like new in no time!