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

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

Our experienced plumbers can diagnose and solve your plumbing issues quickly and efficiently.

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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.

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

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

Our experienced plumbers can diagnose and solve your plumbing issues quickly and efficiently.