No need to worry, a running toilet is usually a simple fix. The three most common causes are a broken or dirty flapper, too long or too short of a chain between the flush lever and the flapper or a float that is out of position. The first thing you will need to do is turn off the water feeding into the toilet.
Will a running toilet eventually stop? A running toilet will rarely stop on its own. Sometimes, jiggling the toilet handle will temporarily seal the flapper back into place at the bottom of the tank. But usually, you will need to replace a few parts to fix the problem.
A running toilet can quickly become a flooding toilet. If you have a septic tank, that excess water risks flooding the tank, which can result in the saturation and failure of your drain field. The bill for this degree-of-mishap will be much higher than merely fixing a toilet that will not stop running.
What happens if a toilet runs all night? If a toilet runs all night it will waste water and increase your water bill. Excess water can potentially flood your septic tank and lead to failure and saturation of your drain field.
A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day or more depending on the volume flow down the drain. This can cause a terrible increase to a family's typical water use, so fix toilet leaks as soon as possible. Some leaks are easy to find, such as a dripping faucet or running toilet.
Beyond that, a toilet that runs all the time is at greater risk of overflowing and causing substantial flooding damage, with overflow being among the leading causes of toilet failures, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.
A call during regular business hours for a plumber to visit is likely okay. Emergency response is warranted if your toilet is gushing water or the leakage is intense, no matter where it's coming from. When large volumes of water are released, flooding and water penetration into walls and flooring happen rapidly.
Toilet Repair Costs by Issue
Running Toilet: Repairing a running toilet costs $100–$400. Causes include a leaky flapper, too much water in the tank, or refill tube issues. Leaky Toilet: Expect to pay $100–$600 for leaky toilet repairs.
A constantly running toilet also presents an increased risk of flooding.
Running toilets can have different speeds at which they cost you money. A slow leak can waste 30 gallons a day while keeping you oblivious to the problem. A medium leak, on the other hand, is more noticeable and will go through roughly 250 gallons and $3.30 a day.
This is called the “gravity flush,” and all you need to do is quickly pour about 1.6 gallons of water into your toilet bowl. The gravity flush creates enough pressure to push whatever is in the bowl down, and you don't need to push the toilet handle to flush.
No need to worry, a running toilet is usually a simple fix. The three most common causes are a broken or dirty flapper, too long or too short of a chain between the flush lever and the flapper or a float that is out of position.
If the flapper does not seat properly, water will leak into the toilet bowl. Often this leak will occur without being heard. A new toilet flapper is inexpensive and can be purchased at any home improvement center with easy to install instructions.
There is also an overflow tube inside your toilet tank to ensure there is never too much water in the tank. After a flush, the typical toilet takes between 10 and 15 seconds to refill and stop running. This gives the toilet time to refill the water in the tank to just below the overflow tube.
Toilet paper overuse and flushing foreign items are common sources of toilet trap clogs. To eliminate a clogged toilet trap, use a flanged plunger in the toilet bowl to push clogged material and excess waste through the trap. For tough clogs, it may require the use of a toilet auger to break up the clog.
A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day or more depending on the volume flow down the drain. This can cause a terrible increase to a family's typical water use, so fix toilet leaks as soon as possible. Some leaks are easy to find, such as a dripping faucet or running toilet.
In older toilets, you'll need to adjust the float cup by bending the metal rod or float arm attached to it. In modern or newer toilets, push the floater clip, or turn the screw of the flush rod. Keep adjusting the rod until the water supply stops running when the tank empties and then refills from the fill valve.
More often than not, the flapper valve could need adjustment, or you may need to replace the toilet fill valve. Both are relatively small fixes that most homeowners can usually handle without calling in a professional plumber or having to remove the toilet and then having to install a new one.
The sound of a running toilet…it can keep you awake at night. If your toilet is running constantly, you could be wasting 200 gallons of water or more every day. (US EPA Water Sense) Not only is that running wasteful, it can also be expensive.
A running toilet is typically caused by the overflow tube, flush valve, or fill valve. Check the water in the tank to determine if it is running into the overflow tube. If the water is running into the overflow tube, the water level might be too high, or the overflow tube might be too short for the toilet.
If you've fiddled around with the inside of your toilet and can't get it to work, you should promptly call an expert Roto-Rooter plumber to have a look at it.
Also, small water leaks can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars on your bill, so be sure to fix leaky faucets as soon as you see them. If you live in an apartment or condo, a running toilet may also cause your electric bill to go up.
The average homeowner typically replaces their toilet every 10 to 15 years. However, when properly cared for, a toilet can last up to 50 years or longer. Toilets usually show signs that they need a repair or replacement, but some reach the end of their lifespan with little or no physical signs.
A toilet that won't stop running can't hold a stable water level in the tank and the bowl. The problem could be due to several possible issues, including a leaky flapper, a float that's not set correctly, or a faulty fill valve.