Why Does My Toilet Keep Running?

Is a constant running toilet keeping you up at night? Aside from the annoyance, this plumbing issue can worsen overtime if not taken care of immediately. There are a few reasons your toilet keeps running. Below are the three most common culprits:

 

Culprit #1: Chain Problems
Check the flush lever and rubber flapper connection. To determine whether this is the culprit, jiggle the flush lever and observe the chain between it and the flapper - if it constantly pulls on the flapper then the chain is too short. Replace the chain with an aluminum ball chain. It might also be too long. If this is the case, simply move the clip down.

Culprit #2: Broken Flapper
The rubber flapper could break at the hinge in which case you will need to unhook the flapper from the base of the tank and pull it to the surface to observe more closely. Next, turn the flapper upside down and look for any discoloration. An off color could mean the flapper is warped and needs to be replaced. But before you replace the part, clean off any buildup that might prevent the flapper from properly closing.

Culprit #3: Float Position When the tank is full, the plastic balloon-looking part floats to the top of the water. And when the tank is full, the water level should be just below the top of the overflow pipe. If the overflow pipe goes over and the tank is still filling, then the float for the pump is too high. To resolve the issue, bend the rod connecting the pump and the float so that the float is lower - a signal to the pump to shut off sooner. And if the arm doesn’t bend, you might need to call a plumber.

At Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, our professionals are trained and ready to help you fix your broken toilet. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your plumbing emergencies. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more.