Why Your Toilet Keeps Running (And How Much It Can Cost You)
A running toilet is a frustrating issue that many homeowners assume that they have to deal with. While this might seem like the easiest and most cost-effective solution, it could end up worsening the problem. Severe issues are often more expensive to repair than fixing them promptly. This guide offers information about why your toilet keeps running and when it’s time to call a plumber in Sacramento.
Reasons Your Toilet Keeps Running
There are several reasons why your toilet might be running. They range in severity as well as in cost and length of time required to fix them. Identifying the cause is the first step in rectifying the situation.
Damaged Flapper
A flapper is the seal at the bottom of the toilet tank. It’s typically made of rubber and can get damaged over time. When this happens, the seal might not close properly, so it may cause your toilet to run. This is usually an easy, affordable, and non-urgent fix.
Chain Issues
If you open the lid to your toilet tank, you’ll usually see a plastic or metal chain that connects the flapper valve and the toilet handle. A chain that’s too short won’t allow the flapper to close, which could lead to a running toilet. It’s typically too short for one of two reasons: either it’s not the correct length in general, or it’s tangled, reducing its slack.
With a tangled chain, homeowners can try to gently untangle it. Once you untangle it and flush the toilet, the problem should resolve. A chain that’s not the right length needs replacing. Otherwise, the running toilet situation will continue happening.
Malfunctioning Fill Valve
Located inside the toilet tank, the fill valve works in tandem with the float. It’s responsible for controlling the water supply in the toilet tank. If it’s not functioning properly, the toilet may continue to run.
Damaged or Malfunctioning Overflow Tube
Located inside your tank, an overflow tube directs excess water out of the tank and into your toilet bowl. If it’s not positioned properly, not the correct length, or damaged, water may continuously drain into the toilet bowl. This forces the fill valve to keep refilling the tank. This may result in your toilet running.
Float Problems
Toilets either have a float ball or a float cup that detects the water level in the toilet tank. When you flush the toilet, the float lowers to the bottom as the water drains. As the water refills, the float rises with it. The float triggers the fill valve to shut off the water supply when it reaches the optimal level so the tank doesn’t overfill. If the float malfunctions, the tank continues filling until the water flows into the overflow tube. Since the toilet doesn’t receive the “signal” to stop refilling, it essentially keeps going, which causes your toilet to run.
Stuck Toilet Handle
If the toilet handle is stuck in the down position, your toilet may keep running as the flapper stays open and is unable to close. This may also result in an inability to flush your toilet. In some cases, gently jiggling the handle may help. If it doesn’t, the handle itself or one of its components might need replacing.
DIY vs. Professional Repairs
Beyond jiggling the toilet handle or attempting to untangle the chain, it’s best to leave other toilet repairs to the professionals. Our plumbers in Sacramento are skilled in easily identifying the causes of running toilets. We also typically have all the equipment and parts necessary to fix the issue promptly. Homeowners who aren’t trained in plumbing may take longer to determine the cause and how to repair it. They may also not have the parts or equipment easily accessible for the task. This can leave the toilet out of commission for longer, which is especially problematic if it’s the only one in the home. Some people might also inadvertently injure themselves or damage the toilet in the process of trying to fix it.
Additionally, attempting to repair your toilet may void its manufacturer’s warranty. Some include terms stating that licensed plumbers must perform repairs. DIY fixes now might void the warranty, leading to you potentially having to pay for future repair costs.
When to Call for Running Toilet Repair
It’s important to call for repairs if your toilet won’t stop running. Delaying repairs may cause the situation to worsen, which might lead to increased repair costs. Additionally, a running toilet wastes a significant amount of water every day that the problem continues. This isn’t good for the environment or your water bills. In most cases, a running toilet typically calls for repairs or replacing a component. Call Drain Time Plumbing promptly so we can assess the situation.
How to Prevent a Running Toilet
There are two primary ways to prevent a running toilet. One way is to perform regular self-inspections of your toilet, including the inside of the tank. Make sure no parts look worn down, deteriorated, or corroded and that everything seems normal. You should ideally do this at least once a month.
You should also schedule a plumbing inspection once a year. During the appointment, our team will check many aspects of your plumbing system, including the toilet. We’ll take a close look at its components and verify that it’s flushing correctly. At the end of the appointment, we’ll recommend any repairs, replacements, or upgrades that could help improve your plumbing system and its functionality.
If you notice any signs of trouble, such as if you see that your toilet is leaking, don’t delay professional help. This is necessary even if you already have an inspection on the books. Water damage is a serious problem that could easily worsen if left unaddressed. Moisture could seep into your walls and floors and result in mold growth and damage to your belongings. If this happens, you may have to pay for mold remediation, to replace your damaged items, and to fix the initial plumbing problem.
Typically, repairing a running toilet requires simple fixes that take little time. Once we assess the situation, we’ll inform you of the cause and provide an estimate of how long the situation might take to fix. Please make sure you’re home during the appointment in case we have any questions. We may also need to access other areas of your plumbing system in your home.
Turn to the Pros
When your toilet is running and won’t stop, it’s essential to quickly determine why the problem is happening. Handling it promptly stops the issue from worsening and can prevent wasting numerous gallons of water. We’ll also recommend how to prevent the problem from happening again in the future. Get in touch with Drain Time Plumbing if your toilet keeps running and you need a repair at your Sacramento home. We also offer a wide range of other plumbing services. We offer both standard appointments and 24-hour service daily.
today to schedule toilet repair in Sacramento with the expert team at Drain Time Plumbing.
