Why Is My Toilet Constantly Running?

September 1, 2022

Nothing is as detrimental to your sleep as having your toilet make noises all night. While this issue can be annoying and disturbing, it has easily explainable causes you can take care of rather quickly. These are the answers to some commonly-asked questions regarding running toilets.

Why Is My Toilet Constantly Running?

Don’t worry if you’re asking, "What are the reasons my toilet is constantly running?" The problem you’re having is common and can occur for various reasons. These are some of the most usual:

The Flapper Is Broken

Broken flappers are the most common reason for running toilets. A flapper is a rubber piece that opens and closes to release water into the septic system. When flappers break, they can get stuck in the open position and cause the water to keep running. They can also have holes or slits, giving your toilet the same leaky effect.  

Your Chain Snapped

Your problem may be coming from the chain connected to the flapper. Chains wear over time or become dislodged, and a quick inspection will indicate whether that piece is causing the issue or not. 

The Float Ball Is Maligigned

If you look inside the inner workings of your toilet, you’ll see something that looks like a balloon. That’s your float ball, and it’s there to tell the toilet when to stop refilling with water. Usually, the water stops filling up once that ball reaches a certain point.

However, it will not work effectively if the ball is broken or misaligned. You may be able to fix the issue by moving the ball away from the edge of the toilet. Lift the arm to inspect its placement and bend it slightly to push it away if you find it touching the surface. 

You Need a New Ballcock Assembly

Sometimes, the entire ballcock assembly is broken and needs to be replaced. Again, you’ll most likely notice the problem once you perform your under-the-hood inspection. From there, it’s simply a matter of purchasing the parts and having them installed by a professional. You can try it yourself if you think you’re handy with those components. 

What Should I Do if My Toilet Keeps Running? 

The problem of a running toilet is one you need to address quickly to give yourself peace of mind. You have two options for a resolution. You can visit your nearest hardware shop to purchase the parts and do a DIY or contact a local plumber. The plumber will most likely offer a warranty or guarantee on the details and work, and he or she may get the job done faster than you will. None of those mentioned above problems should be wallet-breaking repairs. 

You’re now aware of some of the most common causes of leaky and running toilets. These issues can generally be resolved within a short timeframe. Don’t be too shy to reach out to a plumbing professional if you have a running toilet that doesn’t know when to quit. 

Categorised in:

Rooter Express
Menu