Why Your Toilet Keeps Running

Why it matters

A running toilet is more than an annoyance. Water flowing continuously into the bowl and down the drain adds up quickly on your bill, and on a well or septic system it puts extra strain on equipment. The parts responsible are inexpensive, so there is little reason to leave it.

Hard water in our area is part of the story. Mineral scale shortens the life of rubber flappers and fill valve seals, so toilets in Richmond Hill homes often start running sooner than you might expect.

Step by step

1. Remove the tank lid. Set it somewhere safe, as it is heavy and breakable.
2. Look at where the water sits. A level brimming over the overflow pipe tells you the fill valve closes late or is worn out. Adjust the float down and watch.
3. Check the flapper. Press down on it gently. If the running stops, the flapper is not sealing and should be replaced.
4. Check the chain. Too little slack keeps the flapper from seating; too much lets a loop get trapped beneath it. Leave a little slack.
5. Try the dye test. Tint the tank water with dye or food colouring and leave it alone for a while. Colour in the bowl confirms a flapper leak.
6. Replace worn parts. Close the valve on the wall, hold the handle down until the tank drains, then change the worn piece.

Warning signs

• The tank refills on its own without being flushed
• A constant hiss or trickle
• The handle needs jiggling to stop the flow
• Water visibly running into the overflow tube
• A higher water bill than usual

Less common causes

Sometimes the problem lies outside the usual parts. A cracked overflow tube lets water drain constantly. A refill tube pushed too far into the overflow can siphon water from the tank. A handle that sticks keeps the flapper lifted. Even a corroded flush valve seat can prevent a new flapper from sealing. If you have replaced the obvious parts without success, one of these is likely the cause. In older toilets, replacing the entire flush valve assembly may be the best repair.

When to call a plumber

Call if new parts do not cure the problem, if the shut-off valve will not turn, if porcelain shows a crack, or when water leaks around the base. Sometimes replacing an older, inefficient toilet is wiser than repairing it; see toilet installation. If mineral buildup is shortening the life of your fixtures, we can discuss water filtration systems.

For more on keeping wastewater flowing the right direction, see backwater valve basics. We serve homes throughout Richmond Hill, including Elgin East.