Most families have to fix toilets that leak all the time. In addition to being inconvenient, a dripping toilet can raise your water bill dramatically and result in needless costs. Additionally, it may result in water waste, which is detrimental to the environment and the water supply in your community. Effectively addressing this issue is, therefore, crucial.

As a homeowner or tenant, you can resolve this issue and halt the ongoing water flow. In this article, we’ll provide detailed information on how a toilet installer can take charge and effectively address a constantly dripping toilet.

Identifying the Signs of a Constantly Dripping Toilet

Before you tackle fixing a constantly running toilet, it’s critical to identify the signs that indicate this problem. Often, a continually running toilet exhibits some apparent signs. These signs include:

Constant Sound of Running Water

If you can hear a constant flow of water even when you haven’t used the toilet, it’s a clear sign of a problem.

Increase in Water Bill

A constantly running toilet can unexpectedly increase your water bill. If you notice a significant increase in costs without an increase in consumption, this may be the culprit.

Water Leaks in the Toilet

Sometimes, you can see water leaking into the toilet bowl, even when you haven’t used it recently. This is a sure sign of a constantly running toilet problem.

Difficulty Filling the Tank

If the toilet has difficulty filling the tank after each flush, this can also indicate a problem with the fill valve.

Now that you’ve identified the signs of a constantly running toilet, it’s time to tackle the repair. Below, I’ll tell you what steps a toilet installer takes to fix this problem effectively.

Steps to Stop A Non-Stop Leaking Toilet

When faced with a constantly running toilet, it’s important to follow several steps to fix the problem effectively. Various factors, such as a faulty fill valve, a damaged float or chain, or sediment buildup in the fill valve assembly, can cause this issue. Understanding these potential causes will help you approach the repair process with a comprehensive mindset.

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

The first thing you should do is turn off the water supply to the toilet. Most toilets have a shut-off valve at the base or on the wall near the toilet. Turn the valve counter-clockwise to shut off the water flow.

2. Empty the Tank

Once the water supply is turned off, pull the toilet flush lever to empty the water from the tank and bowl. This will allow you to access the internal components with ease.

Checking the toilet fill valve: The fill valve is one of the main parts that can cause a constantly running toilet. Toilet installers will usually examine the fill valve to make sure it’s not damaged or blocked by sediment buildup. If necessary, replace it.

3. Replacing the Toilet Float and Chain

Another common cause of a constantly running toilet is a damaged float or chain. The float controls the water level in the tank. If it is damaged or not working correctly, the toilet will not fill appropriately and will continue to run. The chain, on the other hand, can become tangled or broken, which also prevents the toilet from filling correctly. Inspect the float and chain and, if necessary, replace them.

4. Cleaning the Fill Valve Assembly

Sediment and mineral buildup on the fill valve assembly can clog the water flow and cause the toilet to run constantly. To remove any buildup, disassemble the fill valve and clean it carefully. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to disassemble and clean the valve properly.

5. Check the Flange Gasket

The flange gasket connects the toilet to the drain on the floor. If it is damaged or worn, it can cause constant water leaks. Inspect the flange gasket and, if necessary, replace it to stop leaks.

6. Adjust the Flush Valve Chain

Sometimes, a constantly running toilet can be caused by the chain connecting the flush lever to the flush valve being too tight or loose. Adjust the chain length to ensure adequate water flow when the toilet is flushed.

7. Turn the Water Supply Back On

Once you have made the necessary repairs, turn the shut-off valve back on to restore the water supply to the toilet.

8. Test the Toilet

Pull the toilet lever and see if the constantly running problem has been resolved. You should notice that the toilet fills properly and stops running after each flush.

9. Preventive Maintenance

To prevent future problems with constantly running toilets, a Toilet Installation Service can perform periodic preventative maintenance. Regular cleaning of the tank and toilet bowl removes mineral and sediment buildup, and checking the condition of accessories such as the float and chain.

With these steps, you should be able to fix a constantly running toilet successfully. However, if you feel uncomfortable performing these repairs yourself, you can always call a professional toilet installer from Guru Plumbing to help you out. Additionally, keep in mind that prevention is the key to avoiding future issues, so maintain your toilets on a regular basis to keep them in good condition and stop needless water leaks.

Last Remarks

Toilets that run continuously are a common issue that can be fixed by following a set of precise procedures and fixes. After determining the symptoms of a constantly running toilet, essential parts, including the fill valve, float, chain, and gaskets, must be inspected and repaired.

Routine preventative maintenance is necessary to keep toilets in optimal operating condition and prevent future issues. If you need more confidence to do repairs yourself, you can rely on Guru Plumbing’s assistance to get the job done well.