A running toilet may seem like a small nuisance, but it can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day and lead to a higher-than-normal water bill. If you hear your toilet refilling when no one has used it, it’s a sign that something isn’t working properly.

Common Signs of a Running Toilet:

You may notice one or more of the following:

  • You hear water running even when the toilet hasn’t been used.
  • The toilet randomly refills on its own, often called a “phantom flush.”
  • The water level inside the tank is higher than normal.
  • You hear unusual hissing, trickling, or dripping sounds coming from the toilet.
  • Your monthly water bill has unexpectedly increased.

What Causes a Toilet to Keep Running?

Several components inside the toilet tank can cause continuous running. Here are the most common problems:

1. Water Leaks

Check for leaks around the toilet tank, supply line, or the seal between the tank and bowl. Even a small leak can cause the toilet to refill repeatedly and waste water.

2. A Worn or Damaged Flapper

The flapper creates a seal at the bottom of the tank. Over time, it can become worn, warped, or cracked, allowing water to slowly leak into the bowl.

Inspect the flapper and check that:

  • The chain isn’t too tight or too loose.
  • The chain isn’t tangled or broken.
  • The flapper seals completely when closed.
  • The rubber isn’t worn or deteriorated.

Replacing a flapper is often an inexpensive repair that can solve the problem.

3. A Faulty Fill Valve

The fill valve controls the water entering the tank after each flush. If it becomes worn or fails, it may continue running long after the tank should be full.

Signs of a failing fill valve include:

  • Constant hissing sounds
  • Water continuously flowing into the overflow tube
  • Slow or incomplete filling

In most cases, replacing the fill valve will resolve the issue.

4. An Improperly Adjusted Float

The float tells the fill valve when to stop filling the tank. If it’s set too high, water will continue flowing into the overflow tube, causing the toilet to run continuously.

Adjusting the float to the proper water level is often a quick and simple fix.

When It’s Time to Call a Plumber

If you’ve inspected the flapper, fill valve, float, and checked for leaks but your toilet is still running, there may be a more complex issue inside the tank or with the toilet itself.

Rather than continuing to waste water and increase your utility bill, it’s best to have the problem professionally diagnosed.

Need Toilet Repair in East Hartford, CT?

At Ro’s Plumbing LLC, we provide professional toilet repair and plumbing services throughout East Hartford and the surrounding communities. Whether you need a simple flapper replacement or a complete toilet repair, our experienced plumbers are ready to help.

Don’t let a running toilet waste water and money. Contact Ro’s Plumbing LLC today to schedule your service and get your toilet working properly again.