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Why toilet keeps running


How to Stop a Toilet From Running Constantly

3 Most Common Causes & Repairing Them Yourself

By

Timothy Dale

Timothy Dale

Timothy Dale is a home repair expert and writer with over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience. He is skilled in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional plumbing, electrical, carpentry, installation, renovations, and project management.

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Updated on 01/17/23

Reviewed by

Richard Epstein

Reviewed by Richard Epstein

Richard Epstein is a licensed master plumber with over 40 years experience in residential and commercial plumbing. He specializes in estimating as well as design and engineering for plumbing systems, and he works for one of New York's largest union plumbing construction companies.

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Fact checked by

Sarah Scott

Fact checked by Sarah Scott

Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.

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The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Project Overview

As DIY tasks go, fixing a running toilet can be relatively easy, though many beginners may have trouble with the toilet assembly. For that reason, this project is better suited to individuals with some plumbing experience. Typically, a running toilet can be caused by issues with three main parts inside the tank:

If you need to replace any parts of the toilet during this repair, make sure to find compatible parts to avoid causing further issues. The cost is minimal for new parts and can help you save money on water bills in the future when the toilet stops running.

Warning

It may seem like a minor problem, but it's actually bad news for a toilet to keep running continuously. Unless the problem is addressed, it will never stop on its own. Your toilet may squander literally hundreds of gallons of water. Fortunately, stopping a toilet from running usually costs just a few dollars.

How a Toilet Works

To better comprehend why these problem parts cause the toilet to run, it's necessary to have a clear understanding of exactly how a toilet works. It's a fairly easy matter to understand a toilet's working parts by simply removing the tank lid and examining the parts inside:

  1. Water enters the toilet tank through the fill valve tube and it is prevented from exiting the tank by the flapper, which is a large gasket at the base of the flush valve that sits in the bottom of the tank.
  2. As the tank fills, the float rod rises with the water, and when it reaches the set water level, the fill valve stops the flow of water. If the water continues to rise beyond this point, it may begin to spill into the overflow tube, which is designed to prevent flooding by draining water before the tank can overflow.
  3. At this point, the toilet can be flushed. Pressing down on the handle or button pulls on a chain that is attached to the flush valve flapper. The flapper opens and releases the water inside the tank.
  4. The water rushes into the toilet bowl through evenly spaced rim holes and may have a secondary entry point known as a siphon jet to help increase flushing power.
  5. When the additional water enters the toilet bowl the water level increases, allowing it to flow through the trap and into the main drain.
  6. The water continues to flow until the tank is empty, then the flapper returns to its previous place, sealing the tank.

A constantly running toilet indicates that the system is either allowing water to pass continuously through the flush valve flapper or that the water within the tank is flowing into the overflow tube. You can quickly check whether the excess water is flowing into the toilet bowl or into the overflow tube by putting a few drops of dye into the tank.

If the colored water flows into the toilet bowl, then the issue is likely with the flush valve or flapper mechanism, but if the water in the toilet bowl remains clear, the problem is with the fill valve or overflow tube system.

Common Toilet Problems You Can Fix Yourself

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Equipment / Tools

Materials

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

If the Problem Is With the Overflow Tube

The overflow tube is a hollow tube that is connected to the flush valve. It's designed to prevent the toilet tank from overflowing if the fill valve does not turn off. There are several reasons why the water may be flowing into the overflow tube and causing the toilet to run.

  1. Check the Water Level

    The water level inside the toilet tank should always sit below the overflow tube and the fill valve to ensure that the water doesn't continuously flow into the tank and out through the overflow tube.

    Check the water level by removing the lid from the tank of the toilet and verifying whether or not the water level is too high, causing it to run into the overflow tube.

    If the water is running into the overflow tube, then the water level may need to be lowered, but if the water is not running into the overflow tube, then the issue is likely with the flush valve.

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  2. Adjust the Float Rod or Float Cup

    To lower the water level inside the toilet tank, you will need to adjust the float rod or float cup. A float rod can be identified by the horizontal rod extending from the fill valve to a float ball, while a float cup is a small cylinder that wraps around the fill valve and slides up or down with the water level.

    You will need to locate the screw that attaches the float rod or float cup to the fill valve. Use a screwdriver, a set of channel locks, or pliers to turn this screw about a quarter-turn counterclockwise to lower the water level. Continue making adjustments until the water is no longer flowing into the overflow tube.

    If the water continues flowing, regardless of the position of the float rod or float cup, the issue is likely with the fill valve. However, if the water stops flowing, but the volume of water inside the tank is not enough to properly flush the toilet, then it's likely that the overflow tube is too short for the toilet.

    Tip

    Water-logged floats can also cause constant running. If water is trapped inside your float, it will sit lower in the water and leave your float valve partially open. Check your float by unscrewing it (if applicable) and shaking it. Replace the float if you hear water inside. 

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  3. Verify the Overflow Tube Height

    An overflow tube is intended to prevent the toilet tank from overflowing, but if it's too short, then the water will continuously flow into the tank and out of the overflow tube. This can occur if the flush valve is not compatible with the toilet, or if the overflow tube was cut too short during installation.

    If the overflow tube is too short, the only way to fix this issue is to replace the flush valve. Just make sure that the new flush valve is compatible with your toilet and that the overflow tube is taller than the old overflow tube to prevent water from draining continuously.

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

If the Problem Is With the Flush Valve

The flush valve is an assembly within the toilet that consists of an overflow tube, tank-to-bowl hardware, a tank-to-bowl gasket, a flapper, and a chain that connects to the flapper. The main purpose of a flush valve is to open the flapper to allow water to flow into the toilet bowl when the toilet is flushed and to close the flapper when the toilet tank is empty to allow the toilet tank to refill.

  1. Check the Chain

    A constantly running toilet is typically due to an issue with the flush valve assembly, so one of the first parts to inspect should be the chain and flapper.

    If the chain is too short, then it won't allow the flapper to close properly, but if it is too long it may get trapped underneath the flapper, causing it to leak. Verify that the chain is just the right length to allow the flapper to fully close and open without a lot of extra chain.

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  2. Inspect the Flapper

    The next step is to inspect the flapper. These rubber parts can become warped, worn, or simply dirty over time and may not sit properly inside the flush valve seat. If any defects are found in the flapper, then it's a good idea to replace it, but if it appears to just be dirty, then the problem may be solved by washing it with a water and vinegar solution. Just make sure to turn off the water to the toilet and drain the tank before attempting to clean the flapper.

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  3. Replace the Flush Valve

    If the water from the tank continues to seep into the toilet bowl, or you find that the overflow tube is too short, then the entire flush valve will need to be replaced.

    Turn off the water to the toilet using the isolation valve located on the water inlet line, then drain the toilet tank by flushing the toilet. Use a cloth or towel to dry up any remaining water before disconnecting the water supply to the tank with a set of channel locks.

    Take out the old flush valve by disconnecting the flapper and removing the tank-to-bowl bolts. Carefully lift the tank off of the toilet so that you can access the toilet-to-bowl gasket and loosen the flush valve nut. Consider enlisting a partner to help make this process easier.

    Install the new flush valve, tighten the flush valve nut, and replace the tank-to-bowl gasket. Carefully put the tank back into place and reinstall the tank-to-bowl hardware. Reconnect the water supply to the toilet and turn the water back on. Check for any leaks at the base of the tank to avoid accidental water damage.

    Flush the toilet to test the new flush valve and then verify that the toilet stops running with the new part installed by allowing the toilet to fill up. If the water keeps running, then the tank-to-bowl gasket or the flapper may not be properly installed.

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

If the Problem Is With the Fill Valve

The fill valve controls the flow of water into the tank from the main water supply. It's designed to continue filling the toilet until the float arm or float cup reaches the set level, but a broken valve may continue running non-stop or may even turn on and turn off inconsistently. The excess water flows into the overflow tube, preventing the tank from overflowing, but the toilet will keep running.

  1. Verify the Fill Valve is Faulty

    To verify whether the issue is the fill valve, remove the top of the toilet tank and check the set water level, as well as the height of the overflow tube. If the overflow tube is an appropriate height for the toilet and the water level is set to about an inch below the top of the overflow tube, but the water continuously flows into the overflow tube, then the problem is the fill valve.

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  2. Replace the Fill Valve

    Replacing the fill valve isn't as difficult as replacing the flush valve, though you will still need a set of channel locks and a cloth, towel, or sponge.

    Start the replacement by turning the water off to the toilet with the isolation valve on the water inlet line, then drain the tank by flushing the toilet. Soak up the excess water with a cloth, towel, or sponge to make sure the tank is dry before removing the water supply line with a set of channel locks.

    Take the old fill valve out by unscrewing the locking nut on the bottom of the tank and pulling the fill valve assembly out of the tank. Place the old fill valve in a sink or bucket to catch any excess water.

    Adjust the height of the new fill valve to suit the specific toilet tank and the desired water level, then insert the threaded end of the valve into the bottom of the tank. Secure it to the tank with a locking nut to create a watertight seal. 

    Reconnect the water supply, then turn the water back on. If the replacement was successful, the fill valve will immediately begin filling the toilet tank with water and will stop when the float arm or float cup reaches the set level. Check for leaks at the base of the toilet tank to avoid water damage.

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

3 Reasons Your Toilet Keeps Running

Why Does My Toilet Keep Running?

When a toilet won't stop running after the normal flush cycle, people often stare blankly at the tank wondering what the problem is, or jiggle the flush valve to see if that fixes anything. While those solutions won’t do you any good, there are a few simple things you can do to fix a running toilet. The first step is to determine the cause, and then you can act accordingly to stop the toilet from running.

Toilets that won't stop  running may have one of the following problems:

Tools and materials you may need:

We strongly advise that you contact an expert plumber to inspect the situation for you, as there could be other issues with your toilet that may need repair and maintenance. However, that doesn't mean that you can't inspect your toilet yourself! Here are some things that you can do to help fix your running toilet in the meantime.

1. You Need to Lower the Float

Among the most common causes for a running toilet is overflow water leaking down into the bowl from the tank via the overflow tube. This happens when there's too much water in the tank. You can adjust the water level by adjusting the height of the float.

To lower the water in a toilet with a float arm, loosen or tighten the screw until the float arm lowers.

To lower the water in a toilet with a column float attached to the fill valve, loosen the screw or clip, push down the float, and tighten everything back up again.

2. The Flapper Is Leaking and Needs Replacing

Perhaps the most common reason for a running toilet is an old flapper that needs to be replaced. When flappers get old, they don’t seal the way they should, and this allows water to pass constantly from the toilet tank into the bowl.

To replace the flapper, simply remove the old one and replace it with a new one from the hardware store. Remove the old one by detaching the chain and taking the flapper off the pins on the side of the overflow tube. To attach the new one, connect the chain and attach the sides to the pins.

Tip: Drain the water from the tank before you replace the flapper. Shut off the water supply to the toilet, and then flush the toilet to drain the water.

Tip: If the chain is too long on the new flapper, you may need to shorten it. If it’s long enough to get caught underneath the flapper, you won’t get a good seal, and the toilet will continue to run.

3. You Have to Shorten the Refill Tube

Another cause behind your running toilet could be that the refill tube is always pumping water into the bowl, and this happens when the tube is too long and isn't positioned properly in the overflow tube.

To shorten a refill tube, pull the tube out of the overflow and hold it just above the opening of the overflow, trim it off there, and clip it to the side of the overflow tube to keep it in place.

Note: The reason this causes the toilet to run is that the refill valve will create a suction effect that pulls water out of the fill valve.

Get Expert Toilet Repair

All City Plumbing in Rancho Cucamonga, CA has been fixing running toilets for years, and we can certainly help you with your project too. Our team of plumbing experts can help inspect the situation for you and figure out exactly why your toilet won't stop running. This way, our professionals can fix and repair the root of the problem, to ensure that the job is done correctly, and prevent future damage from happening again. We make sure to use high-quality equipment and toilet repair parts that help ensure optimal functioning.

If your toilet won't stop running or if you have any other plumbing issues or emergencies in San Bernardino County, contact us online or give us a call at (909) 552-7550 and we'll fix the problem for you right away.

", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "All City Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, & Rooter" } }

|

Why Does My Toilet Keep Running?

When a toilet won't stop running after the normal flush cycle, people often stare blankly at the tank wondering what the problem is, or jiggle the flush valve to see if that fixes anything. While those solutions won’t do you any good, there are a few simple things you can do to fix a running toilet. The first step is to determine the cause, and then you can act accordingly to stop the toilet from running.

Toilets that won't stop  running may have one of the following problems:

Tools and materials you may need:

We strongly advise that you contact an expert plumber to inspect the situation for you, as there could be other issues with your toilet that may need repair and maintenance. However, that doesn't mean that you can't inspect your toilet yourself! Here are some things that you can do to help fix your running toilet in the meantime.

1. You Need to Lower the Float

Among the most common causes for a running toilet is overflow water leaking down into the bowl from the tank via the overflow tube. This happens when there's too much water in the tank. You can adjust the water level by adjusting the height of the float.

To lower the water in a toilet with a float arm, loosen or tighten the screw until the float arm lowers.

To lower the water in a toilet with a column float attached to the fill valve, loosen the screw or clip, push down the float, and tighten everything back up again.

2. The Flapper Is Leaking and Needs Replacing

Perhaps the most common reason for a running toilet is an old flapper that needs to be replaced. When flappers get old, they don’t seal the way they should, and this allows water to pass constantly from the toilet tank into the bowl.

To replace the flapper, simply remove the old one and replace it with a new one from the hardware store. Remove the old one by detaching the chain and taking the flapper off the pins on the side of the overflow tube. To attach the new one, connect the chain and attach the sides to the pins.

Tip: Drain the water from the tank before you replace the flapper. Shut off the water supply to the toilet, and then flush the toilet to drain the water.

Tip: If the chain is too long on the new flapper, you may need to shorten it. If it’s long enough to get caught underneath the flapper, you won’t get a good seal, and the toilet will continue to run.

3. You Have to Shorten the Refill Tube

Another cause behind your running toilet could be that the refill tube is always pumping water into the bowl, and this happens when the tube is too long and isn't positioned properly in the overflow tube.

To shorten a refill tube, pull the tube out of the overflow and hold it just above the opening of the overflow, trim it off there, and clip it to the side of the overflow tube to keep it in place.

Note: The reason this causes the toilet to run is that the refill valve will create a suction effect that pulls water out of the fill valve.

Get Expert Toilet Repair

All City Plumbing in Rancho Cucamonga, CA has been fixing running toilets for years, and we can certainly help you with your project too. Our team of plumbing experts can help inspect the situation for you and figure out exactly why your toilet won't stop running. This way, our professionals can fix and repair the root of the problem, to ensure that the job is done correctly, and prevent future damage from happening again. We make sure to use high-quality equipment and toilet repair parts that help ensure optimal functioning.

If your toilet won't stop running or if you have any other plumbing issues or emergencies in San Bernardino County, contact us online or give us a call at (909) 552-7550 and we'll fix the problem for you right away.

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what to do if the tank does not hold water?

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  1. What to do if the tank does not hold water
  2. How does YouDo work?

Leaking water from the toilet bowl can go unnoticed until the owners receive a water bill. That's when a certain concern arises - after all, you have to pay for every drop of water, and no one likes that precious moisture simply flows into the sewer.

In order to cope with the problem, you can contact a specialist or try to fix the leak with your own hands. Let's see how to identify the problem of a leaking cistern and quickly solve this issue.

Problems that can cause increased water consumption:

  1. Water constantly leaks from the cistern mechanism into the toilet, while the float does not trap it inside.
  2. A leak forms between the bowl (shelf) and the cistern.
  3. Leak occurs when water is drained.

In the latter case, the leakage is not constant, but is observed only at those moments when it is necessary to drain the liquid from the tank into the bowl. Depending on what problem is identified, it is necessary to choose a method to eliminate it.

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What to do if the tank does not hold water

When the toilet cistern flows with water overflowing into the toilet, the main cause of the breakdown usually lies in the flush mechanism. To eliminate it, it is necessary to turn off the water supply. Then open the tank lid to gain access directly to the drain mechanism.

Greasy and rusty spots on the surface of the walls are treated with special compounds so that they do not show through the putty layer. In addition, before plastering the walls, all deep ruts and furrows are covered with plaster.

Now check the float. It should be attached evenly and move freely. Perhaps it is because of him that the tank does not hold water - when it is drawn to the desired level, the float simply does not close the drain hole due to the wrong position.

Check if there is water in the float. If it is there, the float must be removed and the excess liquid removed. After that, it is necessary to repair the crack through which water got inside, in any convenient way (for example, using silicone), or replace the float with a new one.

Check the float valve, it may be the problem. If the valve is defective, it is replaced with a new one. The algorithm is simple:

When choosing a mechanism, pay attention to the class of the valve - it can be designed for strong, medium and weak water pressure. If you choose the valve incorrectly, then even in good condition it will not keep the hole closed when the water is drawn to the desired level.

The problem can be solved by replacing the cuff, tightening with special clamps or construction tape. The latter is still a temporary measure. It is best to either install a new cuff or purchase a clamp.

Sometimes the problem lies in the weak fastening of the cistern. To fix the problem, simply tighten the bolts with an adjustable wrench. But be careful not to overtighten the bolt or strip the threads. Otherwise, you will have to buy new fasteners.

Another cause of leaks in this area is worn gaskets. They need to be replaced with new ones. Gaskets are quite inexpensive and help to immediately solve the problem (if it was covered in them). To replace, it is necessary to unscrew the bolts, remove the tank and fix new gaskets.

Damage to the toilet seat and cracks in the cistern also lead to water seepage. Repairs can only be made with ceramic adhesive. But this is a temporary measure - sooner or later such a toilet will still have to be replaced.

It is not uncommon for the tank to leak when draining or filling with water. This usually indicates a malfunction of the drain mechanism inside the tank. To solve the problem, check the fixation of the shut-off valve. It’s easy to fix the breakdown - find the device in the middle of the tank and press it lightly. If the water stops flowing, then you should simply replace the drain valve with a new one.

Waste tank

The problem may also be in the nut fixing the tank to the shelf or pipe. To correct the situation, you need to tighten it. If the thread is stripped, the fastener will need to be replaced.

Finally, it is also worth checking the drain button. If its level is violated, then it can prevent the shutter from closing the hole. In this case, you just need to correct its level.

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If the above instruction did not help to find the cause of the leak, then most likely it is more complicated. In this case, it is best to contact a qualified plumber. This will save you time and nerves - often only a specialist can qualitatively cope with the problem. He can also be entrusted with the elimination of any of the malfunctions identified independently.

Procedure

Check the operation of the drain mechanism.

Eliminate leakage between the tank and the bowl

Check the fixation of the shut-off valve and the serviceability of the drain button.

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My toilet won't stop working - how do I fix a running toilet?

How to fix a toilet that keeps working? You flush the toilet, leave, and five minutes later you can still hear the toilet running. If you're like most, you're shaking the pen, hoping that this will solve the problem. Well, the problem persists, and now you're listening to water flowing in the toilet. This will increase your water bill if not corrected. You need a step by step method to solve this problem. We recommend that you understand where the toilet parts are and what each one does before attempting to fix them. Read below and watch the videos and images to understand how it works and fix it yourself.

How to fix a running toilet - my toilet won't stop running

This common problem can be easily fixed. And, most importantly, this will require only a few household tools and there will be practically no time.


Before we start, let's learn a little about the part of your toilet so you know where to start. ..

Fill valve

The fill valve is located inside the toilet tank on the left side. It is connected to the water supply and is responsible for filling your toilet after flushing.

Float

A float is attached to the filling valve. After you flush the toilet, the float will lower with the water level. When the water returns to the tank, the float will be used to measure the water level and prevent the tank from overflowing.

Flush valve

The flush valve is located in the center of the tank. It is covered with a damper that opens when the water is flushed into the toilet. When the damper is open, water can leave the tank and enter the bowl to do its job. As soon as the water flows out of the tank, the damper will close and the tank will begin to fill with water.

TOILET REPAIR - Where are the parts located and what are they called?

There are several common culprits for a running toilet, and most are easy to fix.

1. Toilet flap - must be checked

The seal between the flap and the flush valve prevents water from leaking out of the tank. When the damper is bad, water will flow from the tank into the bowl. You will know that the shutter needs to be replaced if you inspect it and see uneven notches or bumps. The edges of the damper must be smooth and fit snugly against the drain valve. A properly closed flush valve causes the float to drop and tell the tank that it needs to be replenished. When the seal is broken, water will constantly flow and the tank will keep trying to fill up. Fixing this is easy. Shut off the water supply to the toilet by turning the shut-off valve clockwise. Flush the toilet to empty the reservoir. Then remove the damper and take it with you to the hardware store. Be sure to note what brand of toilet you have. Buy a new damper, put it on and you're done. Don't forget to turn the water back on.

two. Toilet damper chain too long

If the damper is in good condition, the next thing you need to do is check the chain. The chain connects the toilet handle to the damper. As you flush, pulling on the handle causes the flap to open and release water into the bowl. If the chain is too long, it can get tangled and get stuck between the flapper and the valve. This breaks the seal between the flapper and the valve and causes the tank to leak. To solve this problem, you can reduce the amount of slack in the chain where it connects to the toilet handle. Simply move the clip that connects the chain to the handle further down the chain. Trim the excess chain with wire cutters.

3. Toilet fill valve - check water level

If you have checked the damper and circuit but you still hear water flowing, you may have a problem with the water level in the tank. The water in your tank should be about ½ - 1 inch below the overflow pipe in your tank.

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