A toilet keeps running mainly due to three common issues: a faulty flush valve (such as a worn or warped flapper), problems with the overflow tube (like it being too short or water constantly flowing into the bowl), or a malfunctioning fill valve that does not properly shut off the water supply after filling the tank. Other causes include an improperly adjusted or disconnected fill tube, a flapper chain that is too long or too short, a stuck toilet handle, or a blockage causing continuous water flow. These issues typically cause water to leak or flow continuously from the tank to the bowl, leading to the toilet running nonstop. To fix a running toilet:
- Check the flapper for wear, dirt, or poor sealing and replace it if needed.
- Inspect and adjust the overflow tube height (should be between 8-12 inches from the bottom of the tank).
- Examine and possibly replace the fill valve if it does not stop water flow correctly.
- Ensure the fill tube is connected and properly sized.
- Adjust or replace the flapper chain if it is too long or short.
- Make sure the float is set to the correct height to control the fill valve properly.
- If the handle is stuck, free it.
If these steps do not stop the toilet from running, professional plumbing help might be required or a toilet replacement may be necessary.
