You’ve heard that noise before — it seems to be coming from the bathroom. The toilet makes a faint hissing sound every time you flush, or maybe it just keeps running for what seems like a long time. You get worried but ultimately decide to ignore it.
Unfortunately, what may seem like a slight inconvenience at first often results in much more. Like a slowly dripping faucet, a running toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water each day. Worse yet, the issue is, more often than not, indicative of a much larger problem.
If your toilet keeps running or is overflowing, contact a plumbing company immediately and schedule running toilet repair services. Sunshine Plumbing and Gas provides quick and reliable plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties.
In the meantime, learn more about what makes a toilet run longer than it should.
Why The Toilet Won’t Stop Running
There are several reasons why a toilet may malfunction, but a faulty component is usually the safest bet. Broken parts can cause water leaks and disrupt the water flow inside the toilet. Left unattended, these leaks could lead to overflowing and water damage. To prevent this from happening, keep an eye out for the following plumbing issues.
Worn/Broken Flapper
The most common cause behind a running toilet is by far a broken toilet flapper. Also known as the flush valve, this plug holds water inside the tank until you use the toilet’s handle to flush the toilet bowl. Unfortunately, flappers wear down over time, causing water to seep slowly into the bowl.
If you suspect this to be the issue, contact an Ocala plumber to replace the faulty flapper. Also, beware of using drop-in beach tablets or other DIY methods as these can cause the flapper to wear out faster.
Wrong-Sized Chain
Another culprit could be a defective or wrong-sized chain. The chain is what connects the flush lever to the flapper. A chain that is too long can get caught under the flapper and prevent it from effectively holding water inside the tank. Similarly, if the chain is too short, it won’t let the flapper fit flush against the valve seat and properly contain the tank’s water.
To remediate this issue, contact a plumber to help you find the right-sized chain and replace the current one. Next time you need to replace or install a new toilet, contact a trusted plumbing company, like Sunshine Plumbing and Gas, to help.
Cracked Toilet Bowl
Toilets are incredibly durable water fixtures, with some lasting over 50 years! That being said, they are not indestructible. Over time, porcelain can become weakened and crack, creating prime conditions for leaks. Unlike a broken flapper, however, a crack in the bowl or tank can cause water to leak directly into the floor, damaging hardwood, carpet, tile, and even the subfloor underneath. The result could be hefty water damage repair bills.
The best way to prevent a running toilet from causing water damage is to call a plumber as soon as you notice a leak. For your convenience, we also offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services.
Is My Toilet Leaking?
Toilet leaks are not always so noticeable. In some cases, you may not hear or see water seeping out of the toilet. But, if you suspect your toilet’s sprung a minor leak, you can perform a simple test by adding a drop or two of food coloring to the water inside the tank. If, after 20 minutes, you see colored water seeping into the bowl, you’ve got a leak.
How To Fix A Running Toilet
If you suspect your toilet keeps running because of a major leak or damage to the bowl, gasket, flushing mechanism, or pipes, call a plumber right away. Be wary of easy, DIY solutions that might make problems worse, costing you more time, stress, and money in the long run.
With decades of combined industry experience, Sunshine Plumbing and Gas is your one-stop-shop for all things plumbing. Contact us today to schedule plumbing services!