When Should I Call a Plumber for a Running Toilet?

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably flushed the toilet only to hear it still running several minutes later. A running toilet is a common plumbing problem, and it’s usually not a plumbing emergency. 

But it could be a sign that something else is going on. In this blog, we’re covering why toilets run continuously, common causes, and when you should call Allen Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing for a professional opinion.

Is a running toilet a plumbing emergency?

While a running toilet usually isn’t a plumbing emergency, letting it run constantly could be costing you more than you realize. One of the biggest concerns is wasting a significant amount of water and gradually increasing your utility bill without you realizing it. Normally, the toilet stops running once the tank refills after flushing. If something prevents the toilet from shutting off properly, it can continue using water even though no one is actively flushing or using it. 

Since you can’t actually see the water being wasted, it’s not always obvious how much water you’re losing. As a result, you may notice an unexpected increase in your water bill over time. 

In addition to wasting water, a running toilet may also point to another underlying issue. Even though a running toilet may not always be a plumbing emergency, figuring out the underlying cause can help you avoid wasting water and money in the long run. 

What causes my toilet to keep running?

When it comes to running toilets, there are several reasons your toilet may keep running after flushing. Oftentimes, issues with internal parts like the flapper, fill valve, and float can cause this.

Your flapper is a seal at the bottom of your tank that controls the flow of water from the tank into the toilet bowl. When this seal wears down over time or gets damaged, water can continue leaking from the tank into the bowl even when the toilet hasn’t been flushed.

Another vital part of your toilet tank is the fill valve. After you flush, fresh water from your supply line enters the tank through the fill valve, refilling it to the right level. Once it does, the fill valve should shut off and stop the flow of water. If it doesn’t shut off, your toilet will keep running and waste more water.

The float works with the fill valve. It moves up and down with the water level inside the tank, signaling the fill valve when to turn the water on and off. After you flush the toilet, the float lowers, allowing the fill valve to begin refilling the tank. If the float isn’t working properly or is set incorrectly, your toilet may continue running. 

Over time, these parts experience normal wear and tear that can affect their performance. You can check some of these components yourself before calling a plumber. 

When should I call a plumber?

Before you pick up the phone and call Allen Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, you can safely inspect a few things yourself. If you remove the toilet tank cover, you can see what happens when you flush the toilet. When you’re checking things out, you want to pay close attention to the flapper and flapper chain. 

The flapper should close completely after a flush. If your flapper chain is tangled, too short, or caught on something, it may not work properly. You can also check the float to make sure it moves freely as the water level rises and falls. If water continues to flow into the overflow tube after the tank has refilled, you may have a problem with the float or fill valve.

While these simple checks can help you narrow down what’s going on, it’s not always easy to determine why your toilet keeps running. If your toilet keeps running after you’ve checked inside the tank, or if you notice any signs of possible water leaks around the toilet, it’s time to call a professional plumber. 

At Allen Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, we can inspect your toilet’s internal components, identify what’s causing it to run continuously, and recommend the right repair. Even though a running toilet may not be an emergency, taking care of the problem sooner can help prevent unnecessary water waste and higher utility bills.

Contact Allen Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing today for all of your plumbing, heating, and cooling needs 

If you’re looking for an honest and fair local HVAC and plumbing company, Allen Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing is here to help. Our experienced techs provide high-quality services, including installation, annual maintenance, emergency repairs, and more. We carry top-of-the-line products from the industry’s best brands, including Honeywell, American Standard, Mitsubishi, and more. Our technicians can make expert recommendations tailored to your home’s needs at a fair, affordable price. 

With over 29 years of service under our belt, we’re well-equipped to handle all of your heating, cooling, ventilation, and plumbing needs in Northern Illinois. So call our office today at 815-298-8020 to schedule your next service appointment.