Why Your Toilet Keeps Running

A running toilet is more than just an annoying sound—it can waste 500 to 750 litres of water per day, adding hundreds of dollars to your annual water bill. Understanding why your toilet keeps running can help you decide whether it's a quick fix or time to call a professional plumber.

Golding Plumbing repairs running toilets throughout Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Durham Region. Here are the most common causes and solutions.

Worn or Warped Flapper

The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of your toilet tank that holds water until you flush. Over time, flappers deteriorate, warp, or accumulate mineral deposits, preventing them from creating a proper seal. This allows water to continuously leak from the tank into the bowl.

Flapper replacement is one of the most common and affordable toilet repairs. Our plumbers carry a variety of flappers to match your toilet model.

Faulty Fill Valve

The fill valve controls how water refills your tank after flushing. When it malfunctions, it may not shut off properly, causing water to continuously flow. You might hear a hissing sound or notice the water level is too high in the tank.

Fill valve replacement is a straightforward repair for our licensed plumbers. We install quality valves that provide reliable performance.

Improper Float Level

The float mechanism tells the fill valve when the tank is full. If the float is set too high, water rises above the overflow tube and drains continuously. Adjusting the float level is usually a simple fix.

However, if the float is damaged or the adjustment doesn't hold, replacement may be needed. Our Pickering plumbers can diagnose and fix float issues quickly.

Overflow Tube Problems

If the overflow tube is cracked, too short, or improperly installed, it can cause continuous running. Water draining into the overflow tube triggers the fill valve to keep running.

Overflow tube issues sometimes indicate a more significant problem with the flush valve assembly. A professional assessment ensures the correct repair is made.

When to Call a Professional

While some running toilet fixes are DIY-friendly, incorrect repairs can cause leaks, water damage, or worsen the problem. If your toilet continues to run after basic troubleshooting, or if you notice water around the base of the toilet, call a professional plumber.

Golding Plumbing provides fast, affordable running toilet repair in Pickering and Durham Region. Call (416) 669-8327 to schedule a repair and start saving water and money.