A toilet that won’t stop running can be frustrating and wasteful, when the cause isn’t easily seen and knowing your utility bills will likely be adversely affected. To help you solve the mystery, Kotz Heating Cooling & Plumbing offers the following common reasons why your toilet may be continually running.
Your Toilet Won’t Stop Running? Possible Causes:
1. Faulty Fill Valve: The fill valve controls the water flow into the toilet’s tank. Over time, fill valves may wear out or malfunction, causing constant water flow. Replacing the fill valve is often the best solution. Call Kotz for a quick and easy toilet repair.
2. Ineffective Flapper: The flapper creates a seal within the tank. If it’s worn out or not properly sealed, it could be causing your toilet to not shut off when filled. You may be able to replace the flapper yourself, if you’re comfortable with DIY projects. If this makes you uncomfortable, Kotz has you covered.
3. Improper Float Height: If the float that regulates the fill valve is set too high, water will overflow into the toilet’s overflow tube, leading to a continuously running toilet. Adjusting the float to the proper level will correct the issue.
4. Corroded Overflow Pipe: The overflow pipe prevents water from spilling out of the tank. If it’s corroded or cracked, it can cause a consistent leak into the toilet bowl, seeming like the toilet is constantly running. Call Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to repair or replace the overflow pipe.
5. Chain Length Problems: The chain connecting the flapper to the flush lever should have just enough slack to lift the flapper without getting stuck. If it’s too short or long, it can cause the toilet to run constantly. A simple adjustment to the length will solve this problem.
6. Leaky Fill Tube: The fill tube refills the bowl after a flush. If it’s leaking, it can cause the fill valve to continuously run. Replace the tube and problem solved.
It’s important to identify the root cause of your running toilet to effectively fix it. Some issues can be resolved through DIY fixes but for more complex problems, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber from Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.
