Causes, Fixes & When to Call the Pros at Trusted Plumbing and Heating
If you’ve ever heard your toilet running long after you flushed—or worse, noticed it never stops—you’re not alone. A running toilet is one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face, and while it might seem like a minor nuisance, it can be a major problem; a running toilet in your home can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day and leave you with a high water bill.
At Trusted Plumbing and Heating, we help customers across Renton and the greater Puget Sound area tackle these issues quickly and affordably. So if you’re wondering, “Why is my toilet running?”, let’s break down what steps you can follow to save yourself a major headache.
Common Reasons Your Toilet Keeps Running
1. A Defective Flapper
The flapper is a rubber valve that lifts when you flush, allowing water to leave the tank and enter the bowl. If you have a faulty flapper that’s worn, warped, or not sealing properly, water can leak into the bowl continuously.
Quick Fix: Turn off the water, flush the toilet to empty the tank, and inspect the flapper. If it looks deteriorated or doesn’t sit flat, it’s time to replace it (an inexpensive part at any hardware store).
2. Chain Too Tight or Tangled
The chain that connects the flush handle to the flapper can sometimes be too short, keeping the flapper from sealing, or too long and getting caught under it.
Quick Fix: Adjust the chain so there’s just a little slack when the flapper is closed. Make sure it’s not getting snagged on anything.
3. Faulty Fill Valve
The fill valve controls how much water refills the tank. If it’s not shutting off properly, the water level can rise too high and trigger the overflow fill tube—causing the tank to constantly refill.
Quick Fix: Check the water level in your tank. It should sit about 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube. If not, the fill valve may need to be adjusted or replaced.
4. Float Issues
The float tells your fill valve when to stop adding water. If it’s set too high or malfunctioning, the tank overfills and causes the same overflow situation as above.
Quick Fix: Adjust the float level by bending the float arm or turning the adjustment screw, depending on your toilet model.
5. Cracked or Damaged Overflow Tube
This vertical tube in the middle of your tank prevents overflow, but if it’s cracked or poorly seated, it could lead to constant leaking into the bowl. Poor valve assembly can cause your toilet to supply fresh water when its not needed.
Quick Fix: A damaged overflow tube will likely need to be replaced by a professional.
Why Fix a Running Toilet?
Besides the constant drip-drip-drip driving you crazy, a running toilet can:
Waste water (up to 200 gallons per day!)
Spike your water bill
Cause unseen leaks and potential damage if left unchecked
When to Call The Experts at Trusted Plumbing and Heating
If you’ve tried the quick fixes and your toilet is still running, or if you’re not comfortable troubleshooting it yourself, it’s time to call in a pro. At Trusted Plumbing and Heating, our licensed technicians can quickly diagnose the issue and provide cost-effective repairs—so you can stop flushing money down the drain.
Call us today or book online to schedule same-day service in Renton, Kent, Bellevue, or anywhere in the Seattle metro.
Trusted Plumbing and Heating – Where quality meets reliability. Because your home deserves nothing less.
FAQ: Running Toilet Questions
Q: How much water does a running toilet waste per day?
A continuously running toilet can waste anywhere from 100 to 200 gallons of water per day. Over the course of a month, that adds up to thousands of gallons—costing you significantly on your utility bill.
Q: Is a running toilet considered a plumbing emergency?
It regulates the air in your plumbing system.
Q: How much does it cost to repair a running toilet?
Costs vary based on the issue, but most repairs are affordable. At Trusted Plumbing and Heating, we offer transparent pricing and free estimates, so there are no surprises.
Q: Can a running toilet cause water damage?
If left unchecked for a long period, yes. Leaks can damage flooring, subfloors, and drywall, especially if the toilet overflows or leaks around the base.
