“My toilet keeps running.” We’ve heard this many times from homeowners, and it’s never something you should ignore. Water running in a toilet constantly is usually a sign that there’s a leak or toilet repair issue. And the longer you put it off, the more damage can occur.

Read on to learn why the moment you ask yourself, “Why does my toilet keep running water?” you should call a professional to have it repaired.

The 3 Consequences of Waiting to Repair a Running Toilet

If the water in a toilet tank keeps running, it doesn’t just create annoying background noise. Here are the three major consequences of waiting to repair a toilet running water:

  1. You’re wasting gallons of water.

Toilet leaks waste a serious amount of water. Flushing the toilet already accounts for a third of household water usage, and a running toilet can lead to gallons more wasted. Not to mention, if you have an older model toilet, it can use up to six gallons of water per flush. This makes an old toilet an extremely inefficient option, especially if it’s constantly running. Which brings us to our next point.

  1. You’re wasting money.

If your toilet is wasting gallons of excess water, that means your water bills could skyrocket. Leaking toilets are often the reason for high water bills, and large leaks could cost you $10 a day or more depending on the severity of the leak. That’s roughly $300 a month that you could be wasting.

  1. You may have a bigger issue brewing.

A noisy tank may also accompany pooling water around the toilet’s base. In fact, water damage from plumbing leaks is a common homeowners insurance claim. The leaks may also signal an issue with sewage buildup or high water pressure. A home's water pressure should be about 40-60 psi (pounds per square inch). Anything higher can cause excessive wear and tear on pipes, fittings, valves, and equipment.

What Causes a Toilet to Keep Running

When a toilet keeps running, there’s usually an issue that requires repair. The most common include:

  • A leak. To function properly, a toilet has a set amount of water in the tank and bowl. If there’s a leak, then your toilet will be constantly running to maintain that water level.
  • Improperly sealed flapper. The flapper controls the amount of water released into the bowl. A misaligned or broken seal results in a small amount of water leaking into the bowl and the toilet running constantly to keep the tank filled.
  • Faulty fill valve. Your fill valve helps control the water level in the tank after you flush. If the valve is broken, too much water can enter the tank and cause the water to run constantly.
  • Broken toilet. Sometimes, your toilet is simply beyond repair. If your toilet is still running constantly despite frequent repairs, it’s time for a replacement.

Related Content: What to Look for in a New Toilet

How to Fix a Toilet That Keeps Running

Here are some tips on how to keep a toilet from running:

  • Check the float. If you notice the float is above the level of the overflow tube, adjust it to a lower position.
  • Inspect the flapper. Check first to see if the chain is caught on any parts and unhook it if so. If this isn’t the issue, look to see if the chain is too short to allow the flapper to completely seal. Add links to the chain to fix it.
  • Look for damaged parts. Inspect the fill valve to see if it has cracks. If so, it needs to be replaced.

There are many potential reasons why a toilet keeps running. So if these solutions don’t solve the problem, call your local Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for toilet repair service.

Related Content: How to Stop Your Toilet from Running

How to Prevent a Toilet from Running Constantly 

The best way to prevent damage from a running toilet is to prevent it from running too long in the first place! Follow these tips to keep this issue from happening:

  • Schedule regular plumbing maintenance.
  • Address repair issues right away.
  • Only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet.
  • Watch out for worn-out parts.

Repair Your Running Toilet with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

If you’re wondering, “Why won’t my toilet stop running?” then it’s time to call the licensed plumbing professionals at your local Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.

We’ll arrive in a fully stocked truck to identify the root cause of your running toilet and perform repairs on the spot. Call 1-877-BEN-1776 or book an appointment online to get your toilet repaired today.