It’s happened to all of us. You flush the toilet, and instead of the satisfying sound of water quickly swirling down the drain, you hear only a faint trickle. And no matter how many times you try to fix it by jiggling the handle or flushing again, that trickle just keeps coming back. It’s called toilets keep running after flush problem.
So what do you do?
If you’re like most people, you probably just live with it. But what if we told you there is a way to fix your constantly running toilet – and it’s easier than you might think?
Read this guide to learn how to fix a toilet keep running after flush.
Disadvantages of Toilet Keep Running After Flush
A toilet that runs constantly is not only annoying, but it’s also a waste of water. In addition, it could be an indication of a bigger problem. Here are some cons to having a toilet that won’t stop running:
- Wasting water: Obviously, if your toilet is running constantly, water is being wasted. In some cases, water is wasted at a rate of over 200 gallons per day!
- Damage to your septic system: If you have a septic system, a constantly running toilet could overload it and cause damage.
- Higher water bills: Since you’re wasting water, you can expect a spike in your water bill.
- Potential flooding: If the toilet continues to run and isn’t fixed, there’s a chance that it could overflow and flood your bathroom (or even your home).
As you can see, there are several reasons why you should fix a toilet that runs constantly. Luckily, it’s usually a pretty easy fix.
The Causes of a Toilet That Won’t Stop Running
Before we get into how to fix a toilet that runs constantly, let’s take a look at some of the most common causes:
- A faulty flapper: The flapper is a rubber seal that covers the drain at the bottom of the toilet tank. When you flush, the flapper opens to allow water to flow from the tank into the bowl. If the flapper is damaged or not sealing properly, water can leak out and cause the toilet to run constantly.
- A broken flush valve: The flush valve is what allows water to enter the toilet bowl when you flush. If it’s broken, water will continue to enter the bowl even when the tank is empty, causing the toilet to run constantly.
- Out-of-line lift rods: The lift rods are what you push up to flush the toilet. If they’re out of line, they can cause the flapper not to seal properly, which would lead to a constantly running toilet.
- The water level is too high: If the water level in the toilet tank is too high, water can leak into the bowl, causing the toilet to run constantly.
What to do Urgently to Stop a Constantly Running Toilet
If your toilet is running constantly, you should first try to stop the flow of water. To do this, you’ll need to find the water shut-off valve. This is usually located behind the toilet or near the base of the toilet.
Once you’ve located the water shut-off valve, turn it clockwise to close. This will stop water flow to the toilet, which will, in turn, stop the toilet from running constantly.
Advice: If you can’t find the water shut-off valve or if it’s broken, you can always turn off the main water supply to your home. We know it may sound like a drastic measure, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
How to Fix my Toilets Keep Running?
Gather Tools & Materials for Solving the problem of toilets keep running
With the toilet turned off, it’s time to start gathering the tools and materials you’ll need to fix your toilet. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Cutting pliers
- Pliers
- Rubber gloves
- Replacement fill valve
- Toilet flapper
Check the Toilet Flapper
The first step is to check the flushing valve seal. If it’s not in good condition, clean it or replace the whole flapper with a universal one that will be compatible with your toilet brand. In some cases, you may need to replace the entire flush valve if replacing the flapper doesn’t work.
Check the Fill Valve
The fill valve is located in the toilet tank and is responsible for filling the tank with water after it has been emptied. If the fill valve is not functioning properly, it could be the reason your toilet keeps running.
To check the fill valve, flush the toilet, open the tank, and look for any water leaks. If you see any water leaking, you will need to replace the fill valve.
Check the Lift Rods and the Float Arm
If your toilet keeps running after flushing, something is likely wrong with the lift rods or the float arm. The lift rods are the metal rods that connect the flush handle to the flapper valve. If they are loose or misaligned, they can prevent the flapper valve from sealing properly, causing the toilets keep running. Additionally, ensure that the float isn’t close to the side of the tank wall. If needed, gently bend the arm into place or replace it with a new one.
Set the Fill Height by Examining the Float Ball
If the toilet continues to run after adjusting the lift rods and float arm, the problem may be with the fill height. The position of the float ball determines the fill height. If it’s too low, insufficient water will enter the tank, and the bowl won’t flush properly. Water will constantly enter the tank if it’s too high, causing the toilets keep running. To adjust the fill height, simply bend the float arm up or down as needed – usually, 2.5-5 cm below the overflow pipe is ideal.
Pro-Tip: If your toilet keeps running and you can’t figure out the problem, it’s best to call a professional plumber. They will be able to diagnose the issue and fix it quickly so that you can get back to using your toilet as usual.
Tips for Preventing a Toilet Keep Running After Flush
Though a toilet that runs constantly is annoying, there are ways to prevent it from happening.
Here are a few tips:
- If you notice a change in the sound coming from your toilet’s water tank when it fills, clean the fill valve diaphragm. Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate on the diaphragm, causing it to become stiff and not seal properly.
- If your toilet continues running for more than 20-30 seconds after flushing, clean the flush valve’s flapper and seal it from debris or mineral deposits.
- Before you buy new components for your toilet, double-check that they’re compatible with your model to avoid ANY mix-ups.
Final Thoughts
A toilet that keeps running can be frustrating, but it’s usually an easy problem to fix. By following the steps above, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix the issue in no time. If you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber for help.
And lastly, remember to maintain your toilet to avoid future issues regularly. With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your toilet running smoothly for years to come.
