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Why Is My Toilet Running?

August 26, 2022 | Blog

Many homeowners dealing with toilet issues wonder why does my toilet keep running. If you are asking this question then you have made it to the right place!

Here at Gotelli Plumbing, we are here to alleviate some of your frustration by providing some info on the issue as well as a few solutions. We will explain how to fix a running toilet by showing what elements could be causing you trouble.

We will also discuss what are the risks of this issue and how they could affect you.

What Components May Cause A Toilet To Run?

Flapper

Your toilet flapper is a typically red and rubber-constructed component that is tasked with keeping the toilet bowl and tank closed. When you flush the toilet, the flapper lifts and allows the water from the tank to enter the bowl and allows the toilet to flush. Now if your flapper is older or has worn down it is prone to leaks.

A defective flapper will require replacement however, if this component is simply dirty, then you may not have to. A thorough cleaning of your flapper can make all the difference and lengthen its duration of use. When dirt is compiled in the flapper it may not allow it to close correctly. The components’ inability to close properly may cause the leakage mentioned earlier.

Flush Valve

The flush valve is the part of the toilet you may be more familiar with. Its job is basically to allow the toilet itself to flush. It does this by opening or closing the flapper to let water into the bowl or to let it refill.

It is best to inspect the other components of your toilet first such as the chain and flapper. Although, if the problem is truly the flush valve itself then you will need to replace it.

Fill Valve

Your toilet fill valve is in charge of refilling your tank with water. If your fill valve is broken, you may experience a running toilet. If you are dealing with a toilet that turns on and off randomly, then it is likely caused by a broken fill valve.

To verify this issue you must open the top of your toilet tank and see if water is still flowing into the overflow tube despite other components working properly. This looks like your water level sitting at an inch below the top of the overflow tube.

Luckily, the convenience that comes with replacing your fill valve is that this component is typically universal. You won’t be required to get a fill valve from a specific manufacturer.

Risk Of Running Toilet

Flooding Risk

This is one of the more obvious reasons to beware. If your toilet bowl is overloaded with water, it will eventually spill out of the bowl and onto the floor. This is a major concern as you are risking structural damage to your home!

Increased Water Bill

Water running unnecessarily and increasing your water bill is easy to understand for homeowners. But what may surprise you is how much money is being wasted by a running toilet. Don’t forget that every drop counts, and it can get extremely expensive when your bill comes at the end of the month!

You have probably heard that it is never a good idea to leave the water faucet running while brushing your teeth. Well, apply that same logic to your toilet and fix the issue immediately!

Contact Gotelli Plumbing For San Rafael Toilet Repair!

If you require professional assistance for your toilet, then call us now at Gotelli Plumbing. Our services include all of your bathroom plumbing needs and our experts are eager to help you!

Why Choose Gotelli Plumbing?

5-star customer service
Customer Focused
Our goal is to give every customer the best plumbing service available. Our technicians are professional and well-trained to make sure we achieve that goal.
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Family-Owned and Operated
We're a family-run business living and working in Marin County, so treating our neighbors like family is the center of our values.
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Reliable Service
Our technicians are background checked and trained in the latest plumbing advancements to ensure you get the service your home or business deserves.

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