Top Causes for a Urinal or Toilet That Won’t Stop Running

Toilets are one of the most used plumbing fixtures in a home. It’s flushed multiple times throughout the day and is subject to daily wear and tear. So, it’s no surprise, that they’re the source of many plumbing issues. 

One of those issues being, what’s known as a a running toilet. Not like the type of running for exercise or speed…  but the actual water continually “running” through the toilet. 

So if your home or workplace is experiencing a toilet running or a urinal running, this guide is for you. Keep reading to learn the top causes of a running toilet, along with DIY repairs, and tips on when to call a plumber. 

What is a Running Toilet? 

Running toilets are a common issue that leads to wasting water, and increased utility bills. In fact, some experts say running toilets can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. Understanding what causes toilets to run can help homeowners prevent the issue from arising. But first, it helps to have an understanding of how toilets work. 

Toilets are appliances that haven’t been upgraded or advanced in decades. For the most part, the standard toilet is still standard and universal across the board. Yet many are naive to how they work. 

Once the toilet is flushed, water fills the tank. The filling of the tank lifts a float that shuts off the water when it reaches a certain level. To cause a flush, a simple lever opens a flapper, which falls back into place when the water level drops. 

The Top 5 Causes of Running Toilets 

With that information under our belt, we can better understand the causes of running toilets. So without further ado, here are the top 5 causes of running toilets to know. 

• A faulty flapper: The rubber flapper inside the toilet tank can become worn or misaligned, preventing a proper seal and allowing water to constantly flow into the bowl.
• The float’s position: The float, which controls the water level in the tank, may be set too high, causing water to overflow into the overflow tube and continuously refill the tank.
• Chain issues: The chain that connects the flush handle to the flapper can be too long or too short, either preventing the flapper from sealing or holding it open.
• Problems with the fill valve: A malfunctioning fill valve can cause water to leak into the toilet bowl, leading to continuous running.
• Overflow tube height: If the overflow tube is too tall or too short, it can interfere with the proper operation of the toilet, causing it to run.

As soon as you notice that your toilet is running, it’s best to investigate these common issues. Addressing these issues promptly will not only save water but also reduce the risk of damage to your toilet and plumbing system.

How to Repair Toilets Running 

Knowing the cause of your running toilet is the first step. Figuring out how to repair it, is the second step. In general, it’s always best to seek the advice of a plumbing professional before making any major repairs to appliances. 

However, a toilet’s simplicity can offer homeowners a few DIY repairs. So, here are the toilet parts to check or adjust yourself before calling in a professional. 

Fill Tube 

In every toilet tank, you’ll find a fill tube. If your experiencing a toilet overflow tube problem, it’s likely coming from this small and flexible tube. The fill tube runs from the valve to the overflow tube. When the tank refills, this tube squirts water down the toilet overflow tube to refill the bowl after the completed flush. 

If it’s misaligned, it won’t fill the bowl fully, causing running water, and it could weaken flushes too. To repair, reattach the fill tube, firmly securing it onto the fill valve. Make sure the tube is perched around 1 in. above the rim of the overflow tube, and that it’s also sending water correctly into the toilet overflow tube.

Fill Height 

The float of a toilet is crucial to the filling height of a toilet, and its running, obviously too. If it’s set too high, water enters the toilet overflow tube, and the fill valve won’t shut. The water and toilet will continually run. To repair, or check yourself, follow these steps: 

1. Find the fill level mark on the inside back of the tank. Mark the level on the toilet overflow tube so you can see it better. If you can’t find it, make your own, by measuring down about 1 in. on the overflow tube.
2. Flush the toilet. See where the water reaches, and if it stops at the mark. If it doesn’t, and keeps running, you need to adjust the float down or up. 
3. On an old toilet, you typically bend the rod that connects the float to make adjustments. On newer toilets, you’ll usually slide a clip along the rod or turn a screw. 
4. Continuously flushing after each adjustment to check and get to the proper level. 

If the fill valve simply won’t shut off, you may have to replace it completely. 

Flapper Chain 

Another part that may be causing a running toilet is the flapper chain. Often, it’s too short, or tangled, and won’t let the flapper close all the way. So water continues to leak into the bowl, causing the fill valve to cycle on, refilling the tank continuously. 

On the flip side, if the chain is too long or if a flush rod hits the lid, the flapper won’t open wide enough to stay open for the full flush. This is the case for toilets; you have to hold the handle down, to complete the flush. Adjust the chain to the proper levels to avoid both issues. 

The Final Word: Plumbers for Running Toilets 

If you have a running toilet after the recommended DIY repairs, it may be time to call a plumber. Luckily, you’re in the right place. Meet WaterWork Plumbing, Metro Detroit’s premier residential and commercial plumbing service. 

Our team has been servicing the area from Rochester to Grosse Point, and everywhere in between since 2006. Headquartered in fabulous Ferndale, our friendly and highly qualified professionals are available 24/7 for all your plumbing needs. 

Schedule an appointment online to have WaterWork Plumbing investigate your running toilet or other potential plumbing repairs.