Why Does Your Toilet Keep Running?

AvatarByLiana Farrell Toilet Queries

Have you ever wondered why your toilet runs periodically? It can be a frustrating and even embarrassing problem, especially if it happens in the middle of the night or when you’re not home. There are a few possible reasons why your toilet might be running, and in this article, we’ll discuss the most common ones. We’ll also provide some tips on how to fix the problem. So if you’re tired of dealing with a running toilet, read on for more information!

Cause Symptoms Solution
Low water pressure Toilet runs slowly or intermittently Check the water pressure at the main shut-off valve. If the pressure is low, you may need to call a plumber to fix the problem.
Clogged toilet Toilet runs constantly or overflows Unclog the toilet using a plunger or a toilet auger. If the clog is too stubborn, you may need to call a plumber to fix the problem.
Leaking flapper valve Toilet runs slowly or intermittently Replace the flapper valve. This is a relatively easy DIY project.
Damaged fill valve Toilet runs constantly or overflows Replace the fill valve. This is a relatively easy DIY project.

A running toilet can be a major annoyance, and it can also waste a lot of water. If you have a toilet that is running constantly or intermittently, there are a few possible causes.

In this article, we will discuss the most common causes of a running toilet and how to fix them. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent future problems.

Causes of a Running Toilet

There are a number of different things that can cause a toilet to run. Some of the most common causes include:

  • A leaky flapper valve: The flapper valve is a rubber disk that sits in the bottom of the toilet tank and seals the water in. If the flapper valve is damaged or worn out, it can leak water into the bowl, causing the toilet to run constantly.
  • A stuck float: The float is a plastic or metal ball that floats on the surface of the water in the toilet tank. The float controls the amount of water that flows into the tank. If the float is stuck, it can prevent the tank from filling properly, which can cause the toilet to run constantly.
  • A clogged toilet: A clogged toilet can also cause the toilet to run constantly. When the toilet is clogged, the water cannot drain properly, which can cause the tank to overflow and the toilet to run continuously.
  • A faulty fill valve: The fill valve is a small valve that controls the flow of water into the toilet tank. If the fill valve is faulty, it can cause the tank to fill too quickly or not fill at all, which can both lead to a running toilet.

How to Fix a Running Toilet

Once you have identified the cause of your running toilet, you can fix it yourself. Here are the steps to fix a running toilet:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually located under the sink or behind the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to empty the tank.
3. Remove the lid from the toilet tank.
4. Inspect the flapper valve. If the flapper valve is damaged or worn out, replace it with a new one.
5. Inspect the float. If the float is stuck, clean it or replace it with a new one.
6. Inspect the toilet bowl for clogs. If the toilet bowl is clogged, clear the clog and flush the toilet.
7. Inspect the fill valve. If the fill valve is faulty, replace it with a new one.
8. Turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet.

If you are unable to fix the running toilet yourself, you can call a plumber to help you.

Tips for Preventing Future Problems

There are a few things you can do to prevent future problems with your toilet:

  • Keep the toilet clean. A dirty toilet can harbor bacteria that can cause health problems. Make sure to clean the toilet regularly and flush the toilet after each use.
  • Don’t flush too much toilet paper. Flushing too much toilet paper can clog the toilet. Only flush one or two sheets of toilet paper at a time.
  • Don’t put anything other than toilet paper in the toilet. Things like feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and diapers can clog the toilet. Only put toilet paper in the toilet.
  • Inspect the toilet regularly for problems. Check the toilet for leaks, clogs, and other problems regularly. If you notice a problem, fix it right away.

By following these tips, you can help prevent future problems with your toilet.

A running toilet can be a major annoyance, but it is usually a simple fix. By following the steps in this article, you can fix a running toilet yourself. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, you can call a plumber to help you.

In addition to the tips mentioned in this article, you can also prevent future problems with your toilet by following these tips:

  • Install a water-saving toilet. A water-saving toilet uses less water than a traditional toilet, which can save you money on your water bill.
  • Install a leak detection system. A leak detection system can alert you to leaks in your plumbing, which can help you prevent more serious problems.
  • Regularly maintain your plumbing. By regularly maintaining your plumbing, you can help prevent leaks and other problems.

3. A leaky flapper valve

The flapper valve is a rubber or plastic disk that sits in the drain opening of your toilet tank. When you flush the toilet, the flapper valve drops down and allows water from the tank to flow into the bowl. After the tank is full, the flapper valve closes and stops the flow of water.

If the flapper valve is leaking, it will allow water to continuously flow from the tank to the bowl, which will cause your toilet to run periodically. There are a few things you can check to see if the flapper valve is the cause of your toilet running.

First, look at the flapper valve to see if it is cracked or damaged. If it is, you will need to replace it. To replace the flapper valve, you will need to turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the tank to empty it. Then, remove the old flapper valve and install the new one.

Once you have replaced the flapper valve, turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet. If the toilet is still running, there may be another problem.

Another common cause of a leaky flapper valve is a worn-out chain. The chain connects the flapper valve to the flush lever. If the chain is too long or too short, it can cause the flapper valve to leak.

To check the chain, look at it to see if it is stretched or frayed. If it is, you will need to replace it. To replace the chain, you will need to remove the old chain and install the new one.

Once you have replaced the chain, turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet. If the toilet is still running, there may be another problem.

If you have checked the flapper valve and the chain and the toilet is still running, you may need to call a plumber to fix the problem.

Why does my toilet run periodically?

There are a few possible reasons why your toilet might be running periodically. Here are the most common:

  • A leak in the toilet tank. This is the most common cause of a toilet that runs periodically. A leak can occur anywhere in the tank, but it’s most likely to happen around the flapper valve or the fill valve. If you suspect a leak, you can check for signs of water around the base of the toilet, or you can listen for the sound of running water when the toilet is not in use. To fix a leak in the tank, you will need to replace the damaged part.
  • A clog in the toilet drain. A clog in the toilet drain can also cause the toilet to run periodically. This is because the clog is preventing the water from draining properly, which can cause the toilet to overflow and then refill. If you suspect a clog, you can try to clear it using a plunger or a drain snake. If you are unable to clear the clog yourself, you will need to call a plumber.
  • A faulty toilet float. The toilet float is a small device that controls the amount of water that flows into the tank. If the float is not working properly, it can cause the toilet to run periodically. To fix a faulty float, you will need to replace it.
  • A problem with the toilet’s fill valve. The fill valve is a device that controls the flow of water into the tank. If the fill valve is not working properly, it can cause the toilet to run periodically. To fix a faulty fill valve, you will need to replace it.

How do I fix a toilet that runs periodically?

To fix a toilet that runs periodically, you will need to identify the cause of the problem. Once you have identified the cause, you can follow the steps below to fix it:

  • If there is a leak in the toilet tank, you will need to replace the damaged part. To do this, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the lid from the toilet tank.
3. Locate the damaged part and replace it with a new one.
4. Turn the water supply back on and test the toilet to make sure the leak is fixed.

  • If there is a clog in the toilet drain, you will need to clear it. To do this, you can try using a plunger or a drain snake. If you are unable to clear the clog yourself, you will need to call a plumber.
  • If the toilet float is faulty, you will need to replace it. To do this, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the lid from the toilet tank.
3. Locate the float and remove it from the tank.
4. Install a new float in the tank.
5. Turn the water supply back on and test the toilet to make sure the float is working properly.

  • If the toilet’s fill valve is faulty, you will need to replace it. To do this, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the lid from the toilet tank.
3. Locate the fill valve and remove it from the tank.
4. Install a new fill valve in the tank.
5. Turn the water supply back on and test the toilet to make sure the fill valve is working properly.

How can I prevent my toilet from running periodically?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your toilet from running periodically:

  • Keep the toilet clean. A dirty toilet can harbor bacteria that can clog the drain and cause the toilet to run periodically. To keep your toilet clean, you should:
  • Flush the toilet regularly.
  • Clean the toilet bowl with a toilet brush and a cleaning solution.
  • Rinse the toilet bowl thoroughly with water.
  • Inspect the toilet regularly. You should inspect your toilet regularly for signs of leaks or clogs. If you see any signs of a problem, you should fix it immediately.
  • Use a water-saving toilet. Water-saving toilets use less water than traditional toilets, which can help to prevent your toilet from running periodically.
  • Install a toilet leak detector. A toilet leak detector can alert you to a leak in the toilet tank or the toilet drain. This can help you to fix the leak before it causes the toilet to run periodically.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent your toilet from running periodically.

there are a number of reasons why a toilet might run periodically. The most common cause is a faulty flapper valve, which can be easily replaced. Other possible causes include a clogged toilet, a leaking tank, or a problem with the fill valve. If you are unable to identify the cause of the problem yourself, it is best to call a plumber for assistance.

Here are some key takeaways to remember:

  • A toilet that runs periodically is a waste of water and money.
  • The most common cause of a running toilet is a faulty flapper valve.
  • Other possible causes include a clogged toilet, a leaking tank, or a problem with the fill valve.
  • If you are unable to identify the cause of the problem yourself, it is best to call a plumber for assistance.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.