Toilet Running All the Time?
If your toilet keeps running constantly, the sound is not only annoying, but it can cause other problems as well. The excess water usage will lead a higher monthly utility bill and your toilet may be damaged over time. The good news is the most toilets are still made pretty simply. When we flush, water fills a tank, that water lifts a float that will shut the running water off when it reaches an appropriate level. A flapper inside the toilet is the mechanism that causes the flush and it goes back to its original position when the water level returns to normal. Although this process is very simple, sometimes there is a breakdown in the process that causes your toilet to keep running continuously.
Here are four of the main reasons your toilet keeps running:
1. Flapper chain is too short or tangled
If this happens the flapper will not be able to close, and water will continue to leak into the bowl slowly and cycle on and off. If this is your issue, you may notice that you have to hold the lever down for an extended period of time to complete a flush.
2. Float may be set incorrectly
If the float is set too high then too much water will spill into the toilet, causing it to fill into the overflow tube and keep the toilet running.
3. Fill valve problem
Toilet fill valves help to refill the toilet tank to the correct water level after you flush. If there is a problem with the fill valve, too much water may be allowed into the tank, causing it to run constantly.
4. Flapper may need replaced
Toilet flappers are the leading cause of leaking or running toilets. They are the rubber mechanism found inside the tank. They control the amount of water released into the bowl. They tend to wear out more often if you use the drop-in bleach tablets. All toilet flappers are not universal. They can range in size between 2 and 4 inches. In order to function properly, the flapper needs to be the correct size for your toilet.
Before calling for a plumber for your toilet, go ahead and shut off the water supply line if you are able.
If you have an issue with your toilet or require other plumbing services and you’re near Cincinnati, OH, don’t hesitate to reach out to Quality Comfort Home Services at 513.216.0586.