Is your toilet constantly running, and not in the marathon way? It’s one of those annoying little issues that’s easy to ignore—until you get your water bill! A running toilet can waste gallons of water a day, so fixing it quickly is important. But don’t worry, Aqua Knight Plumbing is here to guide you through some DIY fixes and let you know when it’s time to call in the professionals.
What Causes a Toilet to Keep Running?
First things first, let’s talk about why your toilet is running in the first place. The most common culprits are:
- Faulty Flapper – The rubber flapper in the tank is responsible for sealing water after flushing. Over time, it can wear out or become misaligned, causing water to continuously flow into the bowl.
- Float Issues – The float controls the water level in the tank. If it’s set too high, water will keep flowing.
- Leaky Fill Valve – This valve controls water flow into the tank. If it’s not functioning properly, water will continuously run.
Now, let’s dive into how to fix these issues like a pro—well, almost!
How to Fix a Running Toilet Yourself
1. Check the Flapper
The flapper is one of the most common reasons for a running toilet. Lift the tank lid, and you’ll see a rubber flapper at the bottom that lifts when you flush.
DIY Fix:
- Turn off the water to your toilet (there should be a valve behind the toilet).
- Check the flapper for cracks or build-up. If it’s old and warped, it’s time for a replacement.
- You can pick up a new flapper at your local hardware store for just a few bucks. They’re easy to swap out—just pop the old one off and clip the new one on.
2. Adjust the Float
If the flapper is fine, the issue might be with the float. The float is the plastic or metal ball that rises and falls with the water level in the tank. If it’s set too high, water will spill into the overflow tube, causing the toilet to run.
DIY Fix:
- Adjust the height of the float by turning the screw on top of the fill valve (on the side of the tank).
- Lower the float so that it shuts off the water supply when the tank fills to about an inch below the overflow tube.
3. Inspect the Fill Valve
If neither the flapper nor the float seems to be the issue, it could be the fill valve. Over time, the fill valve can wear out and stop sealing properly.
DIY Fix:
- Turn off the water and flush the toilet to empty the tank.
- Disconnect the water supply line, remove the old fill valve, and install a new one. This step is a little more advanced, so if you’re unsure, it might be time to call Aqua Knight Plumbing!
When to Call a Plumber
While many toilet repairs are simple DIY projects, there are times when you’ll want to call in the pros.
Here are a few signs it’s time to give Aqua Knight Plumbing a ring:
- You’ve tried the DIY fixes, but the toilet is still running.
- The issue seems to be with the plumbing or water pressure, rather than just the toilet parts.
- The fill valve or other components are too tricky to replace on your own.
- There’s a leak around the base of the toilet (this could be a bigger problem!).
Remember, ignoring a running toilet can lead to more expensive issues later on—like high water bills or even water damage. Let us handle the hard stuff while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the sound of silence (from your bathroom).
Why Fixing a Running Toilet Matters
A running toilet might seem like a minor nuisance, but it can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day! That’s like flushing your money down the toilet—literally. By fixing it quickly, you’re saving both water and cash.
Ready to Fix That Running Toilet? Call Aqua Knight Plumbing!
If you’re tired of jiggling the handle and ready for a permanent fix, Aqua Knight Plumbing is just a phone call away. We’ve helped countless homeowners stop their toilets from running, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
Call us today at 630-755-0583 and get that toilet back in working order before your water bill runs away with your paycheck!
