A toilet that runs constantly is more than an annoyance. The Region of Durham warns that a leaking toilet could cost you hundreds of dollars each year, and the U.S. EPA notes that a worn flapper can silently leak thousands of gallons a year. The good news is that most running toilets come down to one of three inexpensive parts. Here is how to diagnose it and decide whether to fix it yourself or call us.

Step one: take the lid off and watch

Lift the tank lid and flush. Two things should happen: the flapper lifts and water drains into the bowl, then the fill valve refills the tank to the marked line and shuts off. If anything keeps running after the tank is full, you have found the problem.

Cause one: the flapper is leaking

The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. When it no longer seals, water seeps into the bowl and the fill valve keeps topping up the tank. Test it by adding a few drops of food colouring to the tank water. If colour appears in the bowl within ten minutes without flushing, the flapper is leaking. A replacement flapper is an inexpensive hardware-store part and a DIY-friendly swap.

Cause two: the fill level is too high

If the water in the tank rises above the top of the overflow tube, it spills into the tube and runs into the bowl continuously. Adjust the float on the fill valve so the water sits about a centimetre below the top of the overflow tube.

Cause three: the fill valve is worn out

If the fill valve hisses, cycles on and off by itself or will not shut off, it is worn. Replacement valves are inexpensive and most homeowners can swap one: close the supply valve, flush to empty the tank, disconnect the supply line, remove the old valve and install the new one.

When to call a plumber

Call us if you have replaced the flapper and fill valve and the toilet still runs, if water is leaking at the base of the toilet (that is wastewater and needs attention now), if the tank is cracked, if the supply valve at the wall is seized or leaking, or if you would simply rather have a licensed plumber handle it. Toilet repair and replacement, including comfort-height models, is part of our toilet installation and repair service. If the toilet is old and inefficient, we can also talk through whether a new toilet makes more sense than another repair.

Book a repair

Call (905) 576-3043 or request a visit. Hayes Plumbing serves Oshawa and all of Durham Region.