A toilet that won’t stop running is annoying to listen to, but it can also waste nearly 100 litres of water per day and drive up your water bill. Here’s a look at why your toilet might be constantly running and what you can do about it.
The flapper is worn out A flapper is the rubber component that allows water to drain from the tank and into the bowl. When you flush the toilet, a chain lifts the flapper so that water can flow into the bowl. Once the tank is empty, the flapper falls back into place and seals the tank so that it can be refilled. If the flapper wears out or cracks, it’ll no longer provide a proper seal. This means water will continuously flow into the bowl, and the tank will keep needing to be refilled. If this is the problem, simply replace the flapper. It’s also possible that the flapper is misaligned and just needs to be repositioned over the opening. The chain isn’t the right length The chain is what connects the tank lever to the flapper and lifts the flapper when you flush the toilet. If the chain is too short, it won’t allow the flapper to sit snugly over the opening. Conversely, if the chain is too long, it can get tangled or wedged under the flapper, which would also prevent a proper seal. To adjust the length of the chain, unhook it from the tank lever and reattach it on a different link. The float is at the wrong height The water level in your toilet’s tank is controlled by the float. If the float is too high, water will spill into the overflow tube before it reaches the set height, which means the tank will never register as being full. If this is what’s causing your toilet to constantly run, adjust the float so that the water level in the tank is below the top of the overflow tube. It’s also possible that the float is damaged or broken, in which case it’ll need to be replaced. The gasket is worn out This component sits between the tank and the base of the toilet. Over time, the rubber can wear out and allow water to seep from the tank. If your toilet tank is refilling more often than it should, check that the gasket is in good condition, and replace it if needed. Contact a plumber in the GTA Whether you’re struggling with a running toilet or any other plumbing issue, the experts at Black Forest Plumbing can help. Contact us today to book a service call in the Greater Toronto Area. Book A Service Appointment