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Toilet Running Constantly? Here's Why & How to Fix It
A running toilet wastes up to 200 gallons of water per day in San Diego. Learn the causes, simple DIY fixes, and when you need a plumber.
Common Causes
- Worn or warped flapper — the rubber valve that seals the tank; wears out every 3–5 years
- Float set too high — water rises above the overflow tube and keeps draining
- Faulty fill valve — does not shut off after the tank refills
- Corroded flush valve seat — prevents the flapper from sealing properly
- Chain too short or tangled — keeps the flapper from closing fully
- Cracked overflow tube — water drains continuously into the bowl
Warning Signs
- Hissing or trickling sound from the toilet at all times
- Water bill suddenly higher — a running toilet adds $50–$200/month
- Toilet "phantom flushes" — tank refills on its own every few minutes
- Water visible moving in the bowl when not in use
- Tank takes more than 3 minutes to refill after flushing
Professional Solutions
- Flapper replacement — easiest DIY fix, costs under $10 at any hardware store
- Adjust float height — bend the float arm down or turn the adjustment screw
- Replace the fill valve — $15–$25 part, 30-minute DIY job
- Full flush valve replacement — needed when the seat is corroded
- Professional rebuild of all internal tank components — $75–$150
- Toilet replacement — if the toilet is over 25 years old, upgrading to a WaterSense model saves 13,000 gallons/year
- Call Ciampoli Plumbing if DIY fixes don't stop the running within 24 hours
Need Professional Help?
Our experienced plumbers can diagnose and solve your plumbing issues quickly and efficiently.