Why Is My Toilet Running?

You know that annoying sound like your toilet is filling up with water but it hasn’t been flushed in hours? It’s quite possible you have lived somewhere where the toilet has done this, it’s very possible your toilet is doing this right now. By allowing your toilet to run you are wasting gallons of water a day, which is costing you money, not to worry it’s an easy fix. There is a few different things that could be causing this, Superior is here to tell you what it could be and how to fix it.

The Flapper

 If the tank isn’t full or it isn’t filling up, even though it sounds like it, the flapper is probably stuck open. The flapper is the piece in the toilet that opens to allow water into the toilet bowl when flushing and then closes so the toilet tank can refill in between flushes. It is quite possible that the flapper is not properly aligned with the opening that it cover or that it is getting stuck on the chain. Because flappers age they can develop mineral deposits or wear down, preventing the sealing process. If the mineral deposits are cleaned off it can fix the problem but if your flapper is too worn consider replacing it to stop your toilet from running.

Slow Leak

Another source of the running water sound could be a slow leak in your toilet. A slow leak causes the water to slowly but constantly run from the tank into the bowl. Quick Tip! Add a few drops of food coloring into the tank and after a few hours of non-flushing, if the dye is in the toilet bowl than you have a slow leak.

Refill Tube

This is the tube that refills the tank, it should always remain above the surface of the tank water. If the tube opening is below the water level that could be causing the running sounds. Make sure that the refill tube is secured in the overflow tube and the tube’s end is above the water.

Gasket

The gasket is the seal between the toilet tank and the toilet bowl. If this becomes too dry or aged it will crack and cause the water from the tank to leak into the bowl. If this is what is happening you need to replace the gasket in your toilet.

Float Ball

 This small ball called the float ball sinks to the bottom of the tank when the toilet is flushed, this opens the valve for the fill tube. When the tank is refilled the ball will float to the surface, closing the valve and stopping the filling process. If the float ball is misaligned or malfunctioned it won’t close the valve to the toilet bowl completely allowing the water to continually run. Adjust the float up and down, for an older toilet you will have to bend the rod the float ball is connected to so it properly aligns with the water level. If the rod won’t bend it is time to call in a plumber.

As you can see there are a number of things that could be causing your toilet to run. If you cannot fix the problem on your own or if you have minimal plumbing skills, let’s face it that’s most of us, then call Superior Water & Air today! (801) 438-4798