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Why Does My Toilet Keep Running?

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Why Is My Toilet Running Nonstop? Common Causes & Easy Fixes

A running toilet is more than just an annoying sound—it can waste hundreds of gallons of water and increase your utility bill. Homeowners in the Rancho Cucamonga area often ask us, “Why won’t my toilet stop running?”

The good news is that most causes are simple and inexpensive to fix. Bow Tie Pluming & Rooter will break down the most common reasons your Rancho Cucamonga area toilet keeps running and how to solve them.

1. Faulty Flapper: The Most Common Culprit

The rubber flapper inside your toilet tank controls the water flow from the tank to the bowl. When you flush, the flapper lifts, allowing water to pass through. Once the tank empties, it should seal properly to stop the flow.

Signs Your Flapper Needs Replacing

If you are like most, you just jiggle it a little bit and it fixes. But what happens if one of your kids or significant other forgets? You’ll get that larger than expected water bill!

How to Fix It

  1. Turn off the water supply to your toilet.
  2. Remove the tank lid and inspect the flapper for wear, cracks, or warping.
  3. If damaged, replace it with a universal or brand-specific toilet flapper.
  4. Reattach the new flapper, ensuring a snug seal.
  5. Turn the water back on and test the flush.

2. Flapper Chain Issues

The chain connects the flush handle to the flapper. If it’s too long or too short, the flapper won’t seal properly, causing the toilet to run.

How to Fix It

3. Float Problems: Water Level Too High or Low

The float regulates how much water refills the tank. If set too high, excess water spills into the overflow tube, causing continuous running.

How to Adjust the Float

4. Leaky Fill Valve

The fill valve controls water entering the tank after a flush. If it’s malfunctioning, it may not shut off completely, leading to constant running.

How to Fix It

  1. Inspect the fill valve for leaks or improper shutoff.
  2. If water keeps flowing, replace the fill valve with a new one.
  3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

5. Cracked Overflow Tube

The overflow tube prevents the tank from overfilling. If it’s cracked, water continuously leaks into the bowl, causing a running toilet.

How to Fix It

6. High Water Pressure

Excessively high water pressure can cause the fill valve to malfunction, leading to continuous running.

How to Fix It

Frequently Asked Questions About Running Toilets

How Much Water Does a Running Toilet Waste?

A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons per day, adding significant costs to your water bill.

Can a Running Toilet Cause Damage?

Beyond wasting water, a persistent leak can lead to mold, mildew, and water damage in severe cases.

Should I Call a Plumber?

Most running toilet issues are easy to fix, but if you’ve tried these solutions and your toilet is still running, it may be time to call a plumber for professional repair.

How To Prevent Future Running Toilet Problems

A running toilet is usually a simple fix, and in most cases, Rancho Cucamonga homeowners can resolve it themselves with minimal tools. By understanding what causes your toilet to keep running and how to troubleshoot each issue, you can save water, lower your bills, and keep your bathroom functioning properly.

Need professional plumbing help? Contact Bow Tie Plumbing & Rooter at 909-804-8000 or send us your questions online. Our licensed plumbers can help if your your toilet keeps running despite these fixes.

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