Why Is My Toilet Constantly Running?

A toilet that runs constantly is more than just an annoying sound keeping you awake at night—it’s an active leak that can waste over 200 gallons of water per day, causing your monthly utility bill to skyrocket. Here are the three most common culprits behind a running toilet.

1. A Worn Out Flapper Valve

The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the toilet tank that lifts when you push the handle, allowing water to rush into the bowl. Over time, the chemicals and minerals in your water will cause the rubber to warp, shrink, or crack.

When the flapper loses its seal, water slowly leaks from the tank into the bowl. To compensate, the fill valve turns on to refill the tank, resulting in that endless running sound. This is the most common cause and requires replacing the flapper.

2. The Chain is the Wrong Length

The flapper is connected to the flush handle by a small metal or plastic chain. If the chain is too short, it will constantly pull up on the flapper, preventing it from sealing. If the chain is too long, it can get sucked underneath the flapper as it closes, propping it open.

3. A Misadjusted Float Float

The float controls the water level inside the tank. If the float is set too high, the fill valve won't shut off before the water reaches the top of the overflow tube. The excess water simply pours down the overflow tube and into the bowl, causing the toilet to run continuously.

If you've checked these issues and your toilet is still running, or if you simply want a professional to handle it, call Pipedex Plumbing & Drains at 864-900-0300. We rebuild and repair toilets daily across Spartanburg & Greenville.