A constantly running toilet is typically due to an issue with the flush valve assembly, so one of the first parts to inspect should be the chain and flapper. If the chain is too short, then it won't allow the flapper to close properly, but if it is too long it may get trapped underneath the flapper, causing it to leak.
Not literally, of course – but your water bill will skyrocket if your toilet is constantly running. More often than not, continuously running toilets are extremely easy and inexpensive to fix – you might just need to replace the flapper. A constantly running toilet also presents an increased risk of flooding.
Typically, a running water toilet will waste thousands of gallons of water per month which translates to approximately $200 unnecessarily tacked onto your monthly water bill-- that's nearly $2,500 dollars a year down your toilet bowl. The above scenario is in the case of an extreme toilet leak.
If your toilet has a button flush (also known as a dual flush toilet) and is continuously running, you want to start by cleaning or replacing the seal. If the issue continues—or if the water level is high and close to overflowing—you may need to replace the fill valve.
Most professionals recommend spending no more time on the toilet than it takes to pass a stool. Studies have shown that the average bowel movement takes 12 seconds. Sometimes it does take longer, however, so at maximum, you should not spend more than 10 minutes on the toilet.
Toilet and faucet leaks The most common cause for a high-water bill is running water from your toilet. A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day or more depending on the volume flow down the drain.
The Costs of a Running Toilet
According to the United States Geological Survey, a leaking toilet that is allowed to run continuously can waste up to 22 gallons of water a day. If allowed to run a full year, that's a leak that amounts to over 8,000 gallons of water.
Depending on the water pressure to your house, a running toilet can leak over one gallon of water per hour. This is almost one unit of water a month. If left undiscovered, a running toilet can waste almost 13 units of water a year. Fortunately, most toilet leaks are relatively easy to fix.
As one of the most common plumbing issues, a running toilet can also be one of the most costly—when left untreated. If you hear a toilet running, that means it's using water, and a constant flow of water can lead to sky-high water bills.
A toilet that cuts on and off by itself, or runs intermittently, has a problem that plumbers call a "phantom flush." The cause is a very slow leak from the tank into the bowl. This problem is almost certainly caused by a bad flapper or flapper seat.
Turn off the water supply
The shut-off valve is located near where the toilet is. Turn the valve all the way to the right until it stops. The toilet will not refill when you flush it.
The Flapper Is Leaking and Needs Replacing
Perhaps the most common reason for a running toilet is an old flapper that needs to be replaced. When flappers get old, they don't seal the way they should, and this allows water to pass constantly from the toilet tank into the bowl.
A constantly running toilet can lead to flooding. Too much flooding could mean that you have a great deal of water damage inside or outside your house. The water damage could be on the bathroom floor or even outside on surfaces like your patio or driveway.
The average leaky toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water per day. That's over 6,000 gallons a month ($70.06*) for just one leaking toilet! Some toilets may produce a running water sound that is easy to hear.
Research shows that a toilet flush can aerosolize pathogens, spreading them to nearby surfaces. That can include your phone, if you rest it on a sink by the toilet, for example. But even beyond aerosolized bacteria, there are risks posed by plain old bad hygiene.
In general, a single flush 1.6 gpf or 1.28 gpf toilet tank will take around half minute (30 seconds) to one minute (60 seconds) to fill. Here are few steps to verify if your toilet tank takes longer than one minute to fill: Verify if the water supply valve is fully open.
People might also be sitting longer on the toilet for some temporary relief from the stresses of life. One poll found 56% of people find sitting on the toilet relaxing, and 39% a good opportunity to have “some time alone”.
The first thing to check is the flapper valve – this is the little rubber valve that allows the flush action of your toilet to occur, as well as stop. It's the most common cause of a non-stop flushing toilet, as the valve does wear out over time. To check your flapper valve, open up the cistern and pull out the siphon.
A disposable diaper, tampon or rag could be partially blocking the internal P-trap and creating a siphon that is draining the bowl. It's also possible that a vacuum in the waste line, caused by blocked vents, is sucking water out of the toilet.
When it comes to fixing a malfunctioning, broken or leaking toilet, it can be tricky to know whether or not it's something you can fix yourself. In most cases, it's best to call a plumber for repairs to your toilet (but not always).
The most likely cause is capillary action. This happens when a piece of debris, wicks the water out of the bowl and down the drain. It could be something as small as a string. Another possibility is the drain venting in the home is not sized properly, or a clogged vent.
For preventive drain cleaning, you can use Drano® Max Build-Up Remover in drains, toilets and even septic systems. Apply Drano® Max Build-Up Remover overnight or before you go to work, then wait 6 to 8 hours before running warm (not hot) water down treated drains or flushing treated toilets.
If you turn a valve off on a toilet and water continues to run this problem is caused from a failed washer in the valve. These are usually easy to repair and cost less than a dollar for several sizes.