How to Fix a Running Toilet?
Is your toilet constantly running long after you’ve flushed? A running toilet isn’t just annoying—it can waste over 200 hundred gallons of water every day, leading to higher utility bills and unnecessary wear on your plumbing system.
The good news? In many cases, you can fix a running toilet yourself without calling a plumber near Spring. Below, we walk you through simple steps to diagnose and repair a running toilet—and when it’s time to call the experts at Milton Frank Plumbing.
Why Toilets Run: The Most Common Causes
Before diving into the fix, it helps to understand why toilets run. In most toilets, running happens because:
- The flapper valve doesn’t seal properly
- The fill valve isn’t shutting off
- The float is set too high
- Parts are old, worn, or misaligned
These problems are almost always located inside the toilet tank, the big tank of water behind the toilet bowl. With a few basic tools and a little patience, you can address them quickly.
How Do I Fix a Running Toilet?
A continuously running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day, which translates into wasted money on your water bill. Fixing a running toilet isn’t just a quick project—it’s a smart investment in your home’s efficiency and comfort.
Follow along our easy toilet repair guide to stop your toilet from running.
Tools You’ll Need for Toilet Repair
Before you begin, gather the below supplies. Most hardware stores sell toilet repair kits that include common parts like flappers and fill valves.
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Towel or sponge
- Replacement parts like the flapper, fill valve, or float (optional—see below)
Step-by-Step Guide to Repairing a Running Toilet
1. Remove the Tank Lid and Observe
Start by lifting off the tank lid and placing it somewhere safe—toilets lids are surprisingly fragile! With the lid off, flush the toilet and watch how the parts move inside the tank.
You’re looking for:
- Whether the flapper drops properly
- If the fill valve shuts off
- How the float rises with the water level
This will give you clues about what’s causing the run-on.
2. Check the Flapper
The flapper is a rubber piece at the bottom of the tank that lifts when you flush, allowing water to flow into the bowl. If it doesn’t seal correctly, water continues to leak into the bowl and the toilet keeps running.
How to fix it:
- First, clean the flapper and the seat (where it rests). Mineral buildup or debris can prevent a good seal.
- If the flapper looks worn, warped, or cracked, then replace it. Flappers are inexpensive and easy to install: just unclip the old one and snap a new one into place.
3. Adjust or Replace the Float
The float controls the water level in the tank. If it’s set too high, water will constantly overflow into the overflow tube, causing the fill valve to keep running.
How to adjust it:
- If your float is a ball on an arm: gently bend the arm down so the float sits lower.
- If your toilet has a cup-style float (common in newer toilets or replacement kits): look for an adjustment clip on the rod and slide the float down.
If the float doesn’t move freely or appears damaged, consider replacing the entire float assembly.
4. Inspect the Fill Valve
When the tank fills after a flush, the fill valve should shut off once the proper water level is reached. If it doesn’t, water continues running.
Signs the fill valve is faulty:
- Hissing or continuous water flow
- Water level never stabilizes
What to do:
First, try cleaning the valve. Turn off the water to the toilet, flush to drain the tank, and remove the fill valve cap. Rinse away debris and reassemble.
If cleaning doesn’t help, it’s time to replace the fill valve. Modern replacement valves are adjustable and easy to install: turn off the water, disconnect the old valve, and install the new one.
5. Check the Chain and Lift Arm
Sometimes the fix is as simple as adjusting the chain that connects the flush handle to the flapper.
If the chain is too short, it may prevent the flapper from sealing. If it’s too long, it might get caught under the flapper. Adjust the chain so it has just a little slack when the flapper is closed.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Most running toilets can be fixed with the steps above, but you should contact Milton Frank Plumbing if:
- You’ve tried these fixes and the toilet still runs.
- The toilet leaks water onto the floor.
- You notice corrosion or multiple failing parts.
- You simply prefer a professional to handle it.
Our licensed plumbers can quickly diagnose and resolve the issue, often with same-day service and quality parts that last.
Quick Tips to Prevent Future Toilet Repair Problems
Even after you fix a running toilet, small habits can help keep things working smoothly:
- Avoid flushing anything but toilet paper.
- Don’t use harsh chemical cleaners that damage internal components.
- Inspect your toilet tank every few months for wear or buildup.
Need Plumbing Help? Milton Frank Plumbing Is Here for You
If you’re in the Spring, area and struggling with a persistent running toilet or any other plumbing problem, our team is ready to help! We offer trusted service, transparent pricing, and repair solutions that last.
Contact Milton Frank Plumbing today for fast, reliable service and say goodbye to that running toilet for good! Reach us by phone at 281-645-9596 or conveniently request service online.