by 
A running toilet hides a lot of issues behind, much more serious than just an ugly yellow stripe. It silently wastes your water, hence driving the utility bill higher and higher. And the root of the problem might be a worn out rubber as well as wholly compromised toilet system. So if you are looking for how to fix a running toilet it should start with proper research. The good news is that this problem is pretty common, so the solutions to whatever causes it are also well known. In this guide we will explain everything from diagnosis to when it’s time to call a professional.
Why a Toilet Keeps Running
So your toilet is running by letting water from the tank flow freely and the refill system has to work constantly. If you open a tank cover you’ll see a complex system made of a flapper, fill valve, float and other parts. If any of them is worn out or broken, the toilet running problem is right there to happen.
The Most Common Reasons a Toilet Won’t Stop Running
Worn or warped flapper
The thing that prevents the water from going down to the bowl unless you flush the toilet is called a flapper. No wonder, when it’s worn or damaged, the water leaks down and creates the problem.
Fill valve that doesn’t close fully
Our plumbing team lead Dmitry explain it this way:
The right water level isn’t always enough to stop the tank filling. A broken fill valve will let it in no matter where the mark is.. As a result you have a toilet constantly running.
Overflow tube set too high
If the overflow tube height is incorrect, excess water drains into it continuously, preventing the tank from shutting off.
Chain problems inside the tank
Sometimes the toilet keeps running because of a too tight chain. This tangled chain prevents the flapper from sealing after flushing.
Cracks or silent leaks you can’t see
Some cracks in the tank or bowl are so small that you can’t even see them. The problem is that water can actually find a way through them, so there is a silent leak you can’t even detect.
How to Tell What’s Causing the Problem
If the water level is above the overflow tube
This usually points to a fill valve or float adjustment issue.
If the toilet runs only after flushing
A misaligned chain or worn flapper is often to blame.
If the toilet runs randomly / at night
There is still a leak, but a slow one. So the problem is not that the toilet runs randomly, it runs all the time. But you can notice it only under certain conditions like during night time.
If it runs but the tank isn’t filling
This could indicate a blockage in the refill tube or a failing fill valve.
How to Fix a Toilet That Keeps Running
Adjust the float
Lowering the float can help regulate the water level so the tank shuts off properly.
Replace the flapper
If you want to know how to fix a running toilet with a worn out flapper, we have to tell you there is nothing you can do to repair it. At this point flapper replacement is the only solution.
Inspect the fill valve and replace if needed
Usually, a damaged fill valve is also unrepairable. Simply replace it with a new one and enjoy your toilet again.
Check the chain and refill tube
Ensure the chain has slight slack and the refill tube is securely positioned above the overflow tube.
Turn off water and test
To finish the process, run some tests. Turn the water back on and flush the toilet several times. If everything is done correctly and the problem is fixed, you won’t see any leaks.
If the problem returns or the repair is beyond your abilities, a professional plumbing repair services can handle it safely and efficiently.
How Much a Running Toilet Can Cost You Over Time
Gallons wasted per day
According to the EPA WaterSense program, a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day.
Monthly water bill impact
That wasted water can add $20–$60 or more to a monthly bill, depending on local rates and usage data cited by HomeAdvisor.
Long-term plumbing damage
At the end of it all, a toilet constantly running is stress for the whole system. All parts will have to work harder to compensate for the issue, so sooner or later you’ll need a fixtures repair. The US Department of Energy also notes that inefficient water use contributes to higher household energy costs.
When a Running Toilet Means You Need a Plumber
When you’ve tried all our DIY advice and see that the toilet keeps running it’s high time for a professional intervention. At Fuse Service we have a team of certified local plumbers who can diagnose issues quickly and prevent further water waste or damage. Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a major repair — schedule service as soon as possible.
