How a Faulty Flapper Can Cause Your Toilet to Run Constantly

A running toilet is not one of those plumbing issues that you can ignore---you can lose thousands of gallons of water in a short period of time. Furthermore, you don’t want the sound of constant flushing keeping you up at night. Get in touch with a toilet repair plumber when you need help with diagnosing a running toilet. In today’s post, the plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing explain how a faulty flapper can cause your toilet to run constantly. Our team has been fixing all kinds of toilet problems for years, so we know a thing or two about malfunctioning toilets.

How Does a Flapper Become Faulty?

Flappers don't last forever. The material can deteriorate over time due to constant exposure to water and cleaning chemicals. An older flapper may become brittle, warped, cracked, or misshapen.

Mineral deposits can also accumulate around the flapper or valve seat, preventing the component from creating a proper seal. In other cases, the chain connecting the flapper to the flush handle may be too tight or improperly positioned, preventing the flapper from closing completely. Even a small gap can allow water to pass from the tank into the bowl.

What Does a Running Toilet Sound Like?

A faulty flapper doesn't always cause a dramatic, continuous flow of water. Sometimes the toilet makes a subtle hissing or trickling sound. You may hear the tank refill periodically even when nobody has recently flushed.

Another clue is water movement inside the bowl. If you can see or hear water slowly entering the bowl without flushing, the flapper may not be sealing correctly.

A simple way to investigate is to add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and wait without flushing. If the colored water appears in the bowl, water is leaking past the flapper. Do not hesitate to contact a nearby plumbing service when you confirm the presence of a toilet leak.

Why Should You Fix It?

A constantly running toilet wastes water every day. While the amount lost depends on the severity of the leak, a small leak that continues around the clock can add up over weeks and months.

The wasted water can also increase your household utility costs. More importantly, a running toilet is a sign that a plumbing component isn't functioning properly.

Replacing a worn flapper is often a relatively straightforward repair, but the flapper isn't the only possible cause of a running toilet. A damaged flush valve, incorrect water level, worn fill valve, or other tank component can create similar symptoms.

When Should You Call a Plumber in Morgantown, WV?

If replacing or adjusting the flapper doesn't stop the toilet from running, there may be another issue inside the tank. Continuing to replace parts without identifying the actual cause can waste both time and money.

A professional plumbing service can inspect the entire toilet assembly, identify where the water is escaping, and determine whether a repair or replacement is appropriate. Hiring an expert for help can save you time and unnecessary hassles.

Do You Need Toilet Repair? Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today

If you’re dealing with a running toilet or another problem that requires professional intervention, reach out to Mr. Rooter Plumbing for toilet repair. Our team is ready to find the underlying cause of trouble and provide reliable solutions. We offer reliable service, honest pricing, and repair solutions that last. Contact us today!