A toilet that runs continuously after flushing wastes water constantly and is one of the most common home repairs that doesn’t actually require a plumber. Here’s how to diagnose and fix it yourself.
Step 1: Remove the tank lid and watch a flush
Flush once and observe what happens inside the tank. Most running-toilet problems trace to one of three parts: the flapper, the fill valve, or the chain connecting them.
Step 2: Check the flapper seal
If the rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank isn’t sealing completely after the tank refills, water continuously leaks into the bowl, triggering the fill valve to keep running. A flapper that looks warped, cracked, or doesn’t sit flush is usually the cause and is an inexpensive part to replace.
Step 3: Check the chain length
A chain that’s too short can hold the flapper slightly open even after flushing; a chain that’s too long can let it fold under itself and fail to seal. There should be a small amount of slack, roughly the width of a finger, when the flapper is fully closed.
Step 4: Check the fill valve height
If water is running into the overflow tube rather than stopping at the proper level, the fill valve height needs adjusting, usually with a simple screw or clip depending on the valve type.
Step 5: Test and repeat
After any adjustment, flush again and wait a few minutes to confirm the sound stops completely. If it persists after checking all three parts, the fill valve itself may need replacing, which is still a manageable task with basic tools.
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