A Constantly Running Toilet Can Cost You Hundreds of Dollars – Here’s When to Call for Professional Help

A toilet that won’t stop running is more than just an annoying sound in your home—it’s a costly problem that can waste thousands of gallons of water each year. A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day or 6000 gallons of fresh water a month! Understanding the common causes and knowing when to attempt DIY fixes versus calling a professional plumber can save you both money and frustration.

Understanding Why Your Toilet Runs Constantly

To fix a running toilet, it’s helpful to understand how toilets work. After a flush, water fills the toilet tank, lifting a float that shuts off the water when it reaches a certain level. A lever still opens a flapper to cause the flush, falling back into place when the water level drops. When water escapes from the toilet tank or a component inside the toilet is leaking, the toilet will continue to run. Generally, this is caused by a leaking flapper, a defective fill valve, or an incorrectly sized overflow pipe.

The Most Common Causes of a Running Toilet

1. Faulty Flapper Valve

The most common issue with toilets randomly flushing is that the flapper has become brittle or sediment has formed on the flapper/tank which prevents the flapper making a complete seal. The flapper controls the amount of water released into the bowl. A misaligned or broken seal results in a small amount of water leaking into the bowl and the toilet running constantly to keep the tank filled.

2. Chain Problems

A chain that’s too short or tangled won’t allow the flapper to close and water will continue to leak into the bowl. This causes the fill valve to cycle on and off to refill the tank. Conversely, a chain that’s too long, or a flush rod that hits the tank lid, won’t open the flapper wide enough to stay open for the full flush. You’ll find yourself having to hold the lever to complete a good flush.

3. Fill Valve Issues

Leaking or constant running is often caused by sediment or debris lodged in the cap of the fill valve preventing the water from turning off. The fill valve fills the tank and bowl with water after the toilet is flushed. Your fill valve helps control the water level in the tank after you flush. If the valve is broken, too much water can enter the tank and cause the water to run constantly.

4. Float Adjustment Problems

The water level inside the tank is controlled by an adjustable float. If the float is set too low, it creates a weak flush. If it’s set too high, water will spill into the overflow tube and continually run.

5. Handle and Hardware Issues

If your toilet handle feels loose or sticks in place, it may not allow the internal flush mechanism to fully reset, causing continuous running. Sometimes the issue is as simple as if the toilet handle is jammed, then the toilet will constantly run.

Simple DIY Solutions You Can Try

Before calling a professional, there are several basic fixes you can attempt:

• Check the chain: Adjust the linkage in the chain to leave only a slight bit of slack when the flapper is closed. Cut off the excess chain at the rod to leave only about an inch extra to reduce the potential for tangles.
• Inspect the flapper: Look for warping, mineral buildup, or debris preventing a proper seal
• Adjust the float: Flush the toilet to see where the water level stops in comparison to the mark. If the water goes over, then the float for the pump is too high. Adjust the float up or down accordingly.
• Clean the fill valve: Dirt particles and debris from your home’s water line could be clogging the fill valve assembly. You can remove the debris this way: Turn the water off to the toilet.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

You should call a professional plumber for a running toilet if the issue persists, involves complex repairs, or risks significant water damage. Prompt attention can save you from escalating problems. Here are specific situations that warrant professional help:

Persistent Problems After DIY Attempts

If you’ve fiddled around with the inside of your toilet and can’t get it to work, you should promptly call an expert plumber to have a look at it. Every second you leave a toilet running, your water bill is adding up. Trained professionals can diagnose and fix problems that you might miss on your own.

Complex Component Failures

Repairs involving multiple toilet components or advanced plumbing systems often require specialized tools and knowledge. For these complex issues, it’s best to rely on a professional plumber to ensure the job is done correctly.

Water Damage Concerns

Call a plumber if: The toilet mechanism is damaged beyond simple fixes. There are leaks around the base of the toilet. A noisy tank may also accompany pooling water around the toilet’s base. In fact, water damage from plumbing leaks is a common homeowners insurance claim.

High Water Pressure Issues

High water pressure, for instance, can cause your toilet to run. A professional plumber can help resolve this issue. A home’s water pressure should be about 40-60 psi (pounds per square inch). Anything higher can cause excessive wear and tear on pipes, fittings, valves, and equipment.

The Cost of Waiting

Delaying repairs can be expensive. If your toilet is wasting gallons of excess water, that means your water bills could skyrocket. Leaking toilets are often the reason for high water bills, and large leaks could cost you $10 a day or more depending on the severity of the leak. That’s roughly $300 a month that you could be wasting.

Depending on the exact cause, a professional plumber can often resolve running toilet issues for a cost between $200 and $500. This investment not only ensures the problem is fixed correctly the first time but can also save you from higher water bills and prevent more significant water damage down the road.

Professional Plumbing Services in Mid-Missouri

When you need reliable toilet repair services, it’s important to choose a trusted local company. MasterTech Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is a local, family-owned company that has been serving Columbia and the Mid-Missouri area since 1991. We are committed to providing our customers with exceptional service, high-quality solutions, and results they can trust.

For residents throughout Mid-Missouri, including those needing a plumber mokane, MasterTech’s experienced team provides comprehensive plumbing services. Our team of certified plumbers and HVAC experts are experienced in all aspects of these trades, and we’re always here to help you keep your home comfortable and safe. We’re proud to be an award-winning company, and we’re dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible service. That’s why we offer a satisfaction guarantee on all of our work. If you’re not happy with our services, we’ll make it right.

Prevention Tips

To avoid future running toilet problems:

• Replace the toilet flapper every few years to prevent leaks
• Keep the toilet float properly adjusted to avoid excess water flow
• Clean the toilet mechanism to prevent buildup that can cause flushing problems
• Address repair issues right away. Only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Watch out for worn-out parts.

A constantly running toilet may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can quickly become a major expense. While some issues can be resolved with simple DIY fixes, persistent problems require professional expertise. Don’t let a running toilet drain your wallet—address the issue promptly with the right solution for your situation.