Why Won't My Toilet Stop Running?

Are you seeking solutions to stop your toilet from running?

If you are dealing with a similar issue then it will cost you much. The more the water runs in the toilet, the higher the water bills will be. So what should be done? Should you ask a professional who would clear out this issue?

So do not worry because it is not a major issue that you can not fix at home. The running water can be due to different reasons that we will discuss below along with the permanent solution. Let’s get started.

Why Won’t My Toilet Stop Running and How to Fix It?

If your toilet won’t stop running then it might be due to the broken or dirty flapper that you can replace with a new one. The flapper chain can also cause an issue that becomes disconnected and causes this problem.

To fix a running toilet, all you need is to examine the real cause. Sometimes the issue is simple enough that you can do it at home with the right tools.

Reasons

Have you ever heard someone telling you that my toilet keeps running? These can be some of the causes of this issue:

Make sure that the float height is properly adjusted because sometimes it gets misplaced and causes this running water issue. If the running water is not due to this reason then proceed to the next step.
There is a small rubber stopper that is located at the toilet tank’s bottom known as a flapper. Sometimes it gets leaked and causes this issue. If the problem is in that flapper then it needs to be changed asap.
Sometimes the refill tube of the toilet becomes shrank and make this running water issues.

Now you might be thinking about how to fix all these issues so that you can get rid of these problems without investing in an experienced person.

Let’s talk about the solutions below in detail for better understanding.

How to Fix a Running Toilet?

Before jumping into the solution, first, get your hands on all the tools and materials needed in this process. They include:

Toilet replacing parts
Gloves
Replacement fill valve
Multi-bit screwdriver

If you do not have any knowledge regarding plumbing issues and still trying to figure out the actual problem it is better to ask an experienced person once otherwise, the problem might become significant.

Before calling someone follow the below-mentioned points if your toilet keeps running.

Lower the Float

One of the most significant issues that are mostly found in this scenario is the overflow water discharge via the overflow tube from the tank in the bowl. It occurs when there is an overflow of water in the toilet tank.

However, it is easy to get rid of this issue by decreasing the quantity of water and maintaining the float height. For this purpose, there is no need to call anyone.

So how to lower the water? Simply, make the screw tight or loose with a float arm until you are successful. However, if you are going to do it with a column float then lose the clip or screw and bring down the float.

After this, make every screw tighten again. The column float is affixed to the fill valve. Hence, it is how you can lower the float with two different methods.

If the issue was due to this reason then you are all done but if the problem is still there then check the other two reasons as well to get the answer.

Replace the Flapper

As already mentioned above a flapper is a small rubber stopper that you can easily find at the bottom of the tank. Sometimes the flapper is too old that it starts leaking and you have no idea about it.

If you ever experienced this running water issue do not forget to check the flapper that either it is working perfectly or needs to be changed asap.

Buy a new flapper that is accessible in any store and get it replaced by pulling out the old one. In order to pull out the old flapper, detach the chain and take out the flapper off the pins. To install a new flapper, affix the chain and connect the sides to the pins.

However, before starting to replace this flapper, ensure that the water tank is fully empty and you have shut down the water valve as well.

If you found out the length of the chin is too big then you can cut the length according to the requirement. If the issue was there then you are done but there is another 3rd solution that you can check if the problem is still there.

Make the Refill Tube Short

Sometimes the refill tube is large enough that it always pumps water resulting in water running in the toilet.

Apart from being long, if the tube is not fixed properly at a position where it should be, there could be a similar problem. So the only solution you are left with is to make the tube short. But how?

Pull out the tube and get it in your hands, With any tool, get it short as required and fix it again. If you want your tube to be placed in the original place then better clip it down to the overflow side.

This problem can easily be fixed at home and doesn’t require anyone to get it done for you.

However, if you are not yet done with the issue then the problem is big for you which means you better call someone so that they can fully examine the situation.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few mostly asked questions that will help you clear out all your queries regarding toilet running fix. Here we go.

How Do You Fix a Toilet that Won’t Stop Running?

To fix this running toilet issue, check the flapper condition whether it needs to be replaced or not. Make sure the refill tube size is accurate otherwise, you need to trim it.

Last but not the least, check whether the flapper chain is connected to the right position or not.

What is the Most Common Cause of a Running Toilet?

The most common cause of this problem is the old and broken flapper. Sometimes it becomes too old and needs replacement.

If you’re unable to identify the real cause better ask an experienced person as they can fully guide you.

Will a Running Toilet Increase the Water Bill?

Yes if the water keeps running in the toilet then it will enhance the bill as well. That is why it is better to fix it as soon as you witness it.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Running Toilet?

Sometimes the problem is small enough that you can fix it at home. All you need is to spend on the tools and materials required in this process.

However, if the problem is big then it depends on the issue according to which people charge. It can be from $100 to $400.

Where is the Toilet Flapper?

It is a small rubber stopper that is located at the bottom of the toilet tank.

Final Thoughts

I hope now you finally know why your toilet Won’t Stop Running? It could be due to different reasons as a few are already mentioned above. It is better to try to fix it yourself before hiring any professional.

If you are done fixing it but couldn’t get satisfactory results then you can hire anyone. This problem is simple and can be experienced by anyone.

I hope this article will help you get the problem fixed in the future if you ever deal with it.