Toilet Keeps Running? Causes, Fixes and When to Call a Plumber
A toilet that keeps running is one of the most common plumbing complaints in Idaho, and it is also one of the most expensive to ignore. A continuously running toilet can waste 200 gallons a day or more — that shows up on your water bill fast.
Why your toilet keeps running
Almost every running toilet comes down to one of four parts inside the tank:
- Worn flapper. The rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank hardens and warps, letting water seep into the bowl. The fill valve then tops off the tank over and over.
- Fill valve set too high. If the water level rises above the overflow tube, water spills into it constantly.
- Chain too short or tangled. A flapper held slightly open by a tight chain never seals.
- Cracked overflow tube or failed flush valve seat. These require replacing the flush valve assembly.
Quick checks you can do
Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait 15 minutes without flushing. Color in the bowl means the flapper is leaking. Check that the water line sits about an inch below the top of the overflow tube. Make sure the chain has a little slack.
When to call a plumber
If a new flapper does not solve it, the toilet runs intermittently on its own (a "phantom flush"), or you see water around the base, it is time for professional toilet repair. If the toilet is old and inefficient, toilet replacement with a modern high-efficiency model often pays for itself in water savings. We serve every city in Idaho with same-day service — find your city on our locations page.
Need a plumber in Idaho?
Santaana Emergency Plumbing serves every city in Idaho with 24/7 emergency service and same-day appointments. Find your city or call (888) 480-9811.