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Email Us:
thomas@beardedplumber.com -
Email Us:
thomas@beardedplumber.com 
Stop Wasting Water and Solve That Constantly Running Toilet
Is your toilet constantly running even when no one’s using it? This annoying issue isn’t just an inconvenience, it can waste gallons of water daily and inflate your utility bills. In this guide, The Bearded Plumber explains how to diagnose and fix a running toilet yourself, covering everything from float adjustments to flapper replacements. We’ll also help you know when it’s time to call in the pros. Read on for practical tips to restore your toilet’s function and prevent future plumbing issues.
Why Your Toilet Keeps Running (and Why It Matters)
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix a Running Toilet
- Identify the Source of the Problem
- Shut Off the Water Supply
- Remove the Tank Lid
- Inspect and Adjust the Float Mechanism
- Check the Flapper and Flush Valve
- Examine the Fill Valve
- Inspect the Chain and Handle Mechanism
- Reassemble and Test
Prevent Future Issues with Toilet Maintenance Tips
When to Call The Bearded Plumber
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Need Toilet Repair in Tampa Bay? Call The Bearded Plumber Today!
A toilet that keeps running isn’t just a nuisance, it’s a sign that something’s gone wrong with the internal components in the tank. If left unchecked, it can lead to:
Increased water bills
Wear on your plumbing system
Potential water damage
Noise pollution in your home
Most running toilets can be traced back to a few common problems. Fortunately, many of these issues can be resolved without needing to replace the entire toilet.
Before jumping into repairs, it’s crucial to figure out why your toilet is running. Most often, it’s due to:
A bad flapper not sealing the flush valve
An improperly adjusted float
A damaged fill valve
A tangled or loose chain
Cracks or wear in the flush valve assembly
Diagnosing the issue properly will save you time and effort.
Locate the water supply line behind the toilet and turn the shutoff valve clockwise until the water stops flowing. This prevents additional water from entering the tank as you inspect and repair.
Carefully lift the tank lid and set it aside on a flat, soft surface. Be cautious, it’s heavy and fragile.
With the lid off, you’ll see several key parts:
Flapper
Chain
Float cup or float ball
Fill tube
Overflow tube
Flush valve
Fill valve
Familiarizing yourself with these components will help you understand how they work together, and where the problem might be.
The float controls when the water stops filling the tank. If it’s set too high, water will continuously enter the overflow tube, causing a running toilet.
Look for the adjustment screw on top of the fill valve.
Turn it clockwise to lower the water level.
Carefully bend the metal float arm downward.
This reduces the fill level and can stop the running water.
If your toilet tank fills and then water keeps running into the bowl, the issue may be with the flapper or flush valve.
Press down on the flapper. If the toilet stops running, it likely needs to be replaced.
Remove the flapper and inspect it for signs of wear or warping.
If it’s damaged, install a new flapper that matches your toilet model.
Ensure the flapper chain has just enough slack, not too tight or too loose.
A bad flapper is one of the most common causes of running toilets, and a simple fix can make all the difference.
The fill valve controls water flow into the tank. If it’s malfunctioning or clogged, the toilet may continuously run.
Turn the water back on and watch how the fill valve operates.
If water won’t stop, or if the valve is making odd noises, it may need to be cleaned or replaced.
To replace the fill valve, you’ll need to disconnect the water supply line and unscrew the valve from the tank.
Pro tip: Buy a universal fill valve kit for an easy DIY replacement.
Make sure the chain connecting the handle to the flapper isn’t:
Tangled
Too short (pulling the flapper open)
Too long (getting caught under the flapper)
Adjust the chain length so the flapper can close snugly and completely after flushing.
Once you’ve completed your adjustments or replacements:
Reconnect any components
Turn the water supply back on
Flush the toilet and listen closely
Watch for proper filling and ensure the tank into the bowl transition stops when it should
If everything is functioning properly, your running toilet problem should be fixed.
Regular toilet maintenance can help you avoid plumbing issues and costly repairs. Here’s how:
Clean the inside of the tank every few months to remove sediment or buildup.
Inspect the flapper and fill valve once or twice a year.
Listen for unusual sounds like constant water running, hissing, or dripping.
Check for slow leaks by adding food coloring to the tank, if it seeps into the bowl without flushing, you’ve got a leak.
Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can corrode parts and damage pipes.
While many running toilet fixes are simple, some situations call for professional help:
You’re dealing with recurring issues even after replacing components
There are signs of corrosion or mineral buildup
You suspect issues with pipe repairs or connections
You’re unsure which part is causing the problem
Water is leaking from places it shouldn’t, like at the base of the toilet
If you’re dealing with stubborn plumbing issues or want peace of mind, our licensed technicians at The Bearded Plumber are ready to help.
A toilet that keeps running usually has a faulty flapper, an improperly adjusted float, or a malfunctioning fill valve. These parts may not be signaling the toilet to stop filling after a flush.
A single running toilet can waste 200 to 4,000 gallons of water per day, depending on the severity of the leak. This can lead to a significant increase in your water bill over time.
Yes! Most running toilet repairs only require basic tools like a screwdriver or pliers. Replacement parts are also widely available at home improvement stores.
If pressing down on the flapper stops the water from running, it’s likely the cause. Look for signs of warping, mineral buildup, or age-related wear and replace it if needed.
While not immediately dangerous, a running toilet wastes water and puts continuous strain on your plumbing. Over time, this can lead to more serious pipe damage or leaks.
Not necessarily. In most cases, replacing one or two internal components (flapper, fill valve, or float mechanism) will resolve the issue without requiring a full toilet replacement.
A running toilet might seem like a small issue, but over time it can become a big, costly problem. Thankfully, most running toilet fixes are simple—whether it’s adjusting a float, replacing a worn flapper, or fixing a faulty fill valve.
If you’re unsure about what’s causing your toilet to run, or you’ve tried everything and the problem still persists, The Bearded Plumber is here to help. Our friendly, professional plumbers provide fast, affordable toilet repair and maintenance services across Tampa Bay. We’ll make sure your toilet functions properly and your plumbing system stays in great shape.
Contact us today to schedule service and stop your toilet from running once and for all.