What happens if you don't replace toilet flapper?

Author: Daphne Kessler  |  Last update: Saturday, May 10, 2025

A faulty flapper means your toilet tank will empty and fill up repeatedly. This constant filling and refilling of the tank over days or weeks can result in a lot of wasted water—and wasted money.

What are the symptoms of a bad toilet flapper?

The tell-tale signs that you might have a malfunctioning flapper are:
  • Toilet water runs intermittently or for a longer amount of time than usual;
  • Rippling water move in the bowl between flushes;
  • Low flushing power and hissing “filling” sounds;
  • Jiggling the toilet handle doesn't stop the toilet from flushing;

How often should toilet flappers be replaced?

Toilet flappers usually last for about 3 to 5 years, but the lifespan can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the flapper, the water quality, and the frequency of use.

Why is water still trickling into the toilet bowl?

Your toilet tank keeps running water: This is usually due to a faulty flapper or fill valve inside the tank. When these parts don't seal properly, water leaks into the bowl, causing the fill valve to continuously run to fill the tank.

How much should it cost to replace a toilet flapper?

When you flush the toilet, the flapper opens to allow water to flow from the tank into the bowl. The flapper, over time, can become loose or damaged, and it will need to be replaced. The total average cost of this repair is also between $70 and $200.

Replace Toilet Flapper - Toilet Flapper Sizes

Can you replace the flapper but the toilet still leaks?

Note: Occasionally a new flapper doesn't solve the problem. If you've tried replacing the toilet flapper but the toilet still runs, the flush valve seat is probably rough or pitted. You can replace the entire flush toilet flapper valve, but it's a big job.

How to fix a toilet that keeps trickling?

How to Fix a Running Toilet
  1. Check the Overflow Tube Height. The overflow tube is a part of the flush valve assembly. ...
  2. Lower the Water Level in the Tank. ...
  3. Inspect the Flush Valve Chain. ...
  4. Check the Flapper. ...
  5. Replace the Flush Valve. ...
  6. Replace the Fill Valve.

Why is my toilet flapper not sealing properly?

Check that the flapper is correctly aligned with the flush valve seat. Ensure the flapper's ears or pegs are securely attached to the overflow tube or flush valve. Verify that the flapper moves freely and sits flat against the valve seat when closed.

Are toilet flappers universal?

There are universal designs like the Fluidmaster flappers that replace most other flappers and there are specialty flappers for specific flushing systems.

How do toilet flappers go bad?

Flappers can begin to fail from age, through mildew or mold, or through the growth of bacteria. These factors can cause the flapper to crack or to no longer fit perfectly around the flush valve. Some drop-in bowl cleaners are also hard on the rubber component of a flapper. As the flapper deteriorates it allows leakage.

How to tell if a toilet float is bad?

Take the lid off the toilet bowl and see what kind of float you have. If it's a ball with a metal arm, then check the ball to see if it's corroded or cracked. If so, you'll need to replace it.

Can a toilet flapper cause high water bill?

Toilet leaks can waste hundreds of gallons per day and often times are silent. Even a small leak can add up to a lot of wasted water and money over time.

Can you put vaseline on a toilet flapper?

But there's hope for our poor little flapper in the form of Vaseline, which can partially restore its youth and suppleness. Drain the toilet tank. Dry off the toilet flapper. Rub Vaseline on the flapper and its connecting washer until they soften.

What is ghost flushing?

Ghost flushing, or phantom flushing, occurs when your toilet tank refills independently without anyone pressing the handle. Water leaks from the tank into the bowl, causing the fill valve to activate periodically to refill the tank. It's similar to your toilet flushing itself, but it's just refilling.

How do you know if your toilet needs to be resealed?

Water leaking around the base of your toilet is the most obvious sign of a bad toilet seal.

Why is my toilet hissing not flapper?

A worn fill valve means the seal is not entirely secure, and water can leak through. Water pressure. If your water pressure is too high, the water quickly passing through the narrow supply line to your toilet can cause vibrations or what may sound like a hissing noise.

Why is water constantly trickling into my toilet?

The most common toilet leak is caused by a deteriorated flush valve (flapper) at the bottom of the toilet tank. If the flapper does not seat properly, water will leak into the toilet bowl. Often this leak will occur without being heard.

Why is my toilet flapper not sealing?

A leaky flapper doesn't reseal properly after the toilet has been flushed. If your flapper is worn, broken or damaged, replacing the unit should help your toilet function normally. If the flapper looks to be in good shape, check to see if it is aligned with the opening.

Why does my toilet keep coming loose?

Several things could cause a toilet to wobble — loose bolts, an uneven or rotting floor, or a damaged toilet flange. Some people assume they need to replace the toilet, when it usually requires a quick fix any DIYer can handle.

How do I know if my toilet flapper is bad?

The easiest way to test for a bad flapper is to drop some dye tablets into the tank and then check to see if the dye moves into the bowl.

Is a constantly running toilet an emergency?

A toilet constantly running can be a noisy and irritating problem, and it is important to fix this issue as soon as possible, otherwise, it will lead to a lot of wasted water and also may cause damage to your pipes and toilet system.

Can you change toilet flapper without turning off water?

This should come as no surprise, but turning your water supply off while replacing a toilet flapper is important for a few reasons. Having room to work in the tank without running water is the most obvious, while another benefit would be for water conservation.

Previous article
What happens if you don't water seeds?
Next article
How does the water to ice trick work?