When to Call a Plumber About a Running Toilet

Tips for Solving Common Toilet Running Issues

With the thousands of toilet models produced by different manufacturers every year, it can be difficult to ascertain why your toilet is running. Most people believe plumbing issues are not as technical as before the dawn of advanced technology, but this is not the case.

A running toilet may pose an imminent danger, like leaking, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you should handle the repair yourself. Of course, a running toilet implies the problem is with the cistern tank. Due to the technicality of most cistern tanks, it is best to let a professional plumber handle the running toilet issue rather than fix it yourself and, in the process, make things worse.

Running Toilets Never Stop

Once your toilet starts running, it will go on forever unless you disconnect the water supply. Most people try to flush the toilet simultaneously, hoping the error will be rectified, but this never works. The problem with a running toilet is it is never clear what the issue is unless you are a professional. You could be there staring at the cistern and its components jiggling one after the other but won’t come up with a solution. 

If it were possible to ignore the issue because, typically, there is no risk of contamination or property damage from a running toilet, most people would have running toilets in their homes. Unfortunately, a running toilet can increase your water bills significantly. It is, therefore, best to call a plumber to resolve the issue immediately after you realize your toilet is running. 

What Causes a Running Toilet?

Even a professional might find it challenging to identify the cause of a running toilet, but generally, there are five primary known triggers.

A malfunctioning Fill Tube

The element in your toilet that refills the cistern water is called the refill tube. This tube’s top ought to constantly be above the surface of the water. If not, you might hear running that occurs frequently.

Float Ball Issues

This tiny ball descends as the reservoir empties during a flush, allowing the fill tube’s input valve to open. The float ball goes up as the tank fills, closing the valve and stopping the filling process. It is possible for the valve to partially close if the float ball is out of place or otherwise not operating correctly, causing the water to flow continuously.

Incorrect Length for the Flush Chain

This chain opens the flushing valve, allowing new water to fill the tank as old water is drained. The flush valve’s propensity to close correctly could be hampered if the chain is too long or too short.

A malfunctioning Flapper

A flush valve, otherwise known as a flapper, is an integral unit. To prevent water leaks, the part must be completely closed after each flush. This part may deteriorate due to wear and tear, mineral deposits, or aging to the level of dysfunction. These could prevent it from locking completely, allowing water to run.

Aged Gasket

The gasket in the toilet serves as the barrier between the water reservoir and bowl. Water will leak from the cistern into the bowl if it is old.

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