How To Fix A Running Toilet & Reduce Water Waste

March 28, 2025

How To Fix A Running Toilet & Reduce Water Waste

A running toilet is one of those plumbing issues that many homeowners ignore—until they see their water bill skyrocket. That constant trickling sound may seem like a minor inconvenience, but over time, it can lead to hundreds of litres of wasted water every day.

Not only does this increase your water bill, but it also places unnecessary stress on the environment. The good news? Fixing a running toilet is easier than you think, but in some cases, you might need professional plumbers to do it.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to fix a running toilet, reduce water waste, and ensure your plumbing system is working efficiently. Let’s dive in and get that annoying leak under control!

Why Is Your Toilet Running? Understanding The Problem

Before fixing the issue, it’s important to understand what’s causing the toilet to run. A toilet keeps running when the internal components fail to control the water flow correctly. Here are the most common culprits:

  • 1. Faulty Flapper
    The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. It lifts when you flush and closes once the tank refills. If the flapper is worn out or not sealing properly, water will continue to leak into the bowl.
  • 2. Faulty Fill Valve
    The fill valve controls how much water refills the tank. If it malfunctions, it may allow continuous water flow, leading to an overfilled tank.
  • 3. Incorrect Float Height
    The float determines how much water enters the tank. If it’s set too high, the water level rises too much, causing overflow into the overflow tube.
  • 4. Chain Issues
    If the chain connecting the flush handle to the flapper is too long or too short, the flapper won’t close properly, causing water leakage.

Keep reading to learn more about how toilet mechanisms work.

How To Fix A Running Toilet: Step-By-Step Guide

A running toilet can waste a significant amount of water and increase your utility bill. While it may seem like a simple issue, properly fixing a running toilet often requires professional expertise to avoid further complications.

Here’s an overview of the key steps involved:

Step 1: Turn Off The Water Supply

Before making any adjustments, the water supply to your toilet needs to be shut off. The shut-off valve is usually located behind or below the toilet—turn it clockwise to stop the flow.

Step 2: Inspect And Replace The Flapper

Lift the toilet tank lid and check if the flapper is properly sealing the flush valve. If the flapper appears worn, brittle, or misaligned, it may need to be replaced.

Proper installation of the flapper is crucial to prevent future leaks. A professional plumber can ensure the new flapper is correctly fitted and sealed.

Step 3: Adjust The Float Level

If your toilet has a float ball, the arm may need to be adjusted to reduce the water level. For float cup models, the adjustment screw can be turned to lower the water level.

Ensuring the float level is set correctly is essential to prevent overfilling and continuous running.

Step 4: Fix Or Replace The Fill Valve

If the fill valve is continuously running, it may need to be cleaned or replaced. Adjusting the valve’s float mechanism can sometimes resolve the issue, but if the valve is old or damaged, replacement is often the best solution.

A professional plumber will have the right tools and expertise to handle fill valve repairs or replacements safely.

Step 5: Adjust The Chain

The chain connecting the flapper to the flush lever should have a little slack but not be too loose or too tight. If the chain is too tight, it will prevent the flapper from sealing properly.

If it’s too long, it could get caught under the flapper. A skilled plumber can make the proper adjustments to ensure smooth flushing without any lingering issues.

Step 6: Turn The Water Back On & Test

Once the necessary repairs are made, the water supply needs to be turned back on carefully. The tank should refill, and the toilet should flush properly.

A professional plumber will test the system to confirm that the issue is fully resolved and that there are no underlying problems.

How Fixing A Running Toilet Helps Reduce Water Waste

A constantly running toilet can waste hundreds of litres of water daily, increasing your utility bills and impacting the environment. By fixing the issue promptly, you can:

  • Save Money: Reducing unnecessary water use leads to lower water bills.
  • Conserve Water: Every drop saved contributes to a more sustainable water supply.
  • Prevent Damage: Continuous leaks can lead to bathroom water damage, causing costly repairs.

When To Call A Professional Plumber

While many toilet repairs are simple, DIY is not a good option most of the time. If you’ve tried the above steps and your toilet is still running, it could be due to:

  • A cracked toilet tank or base
  • Persistent leaks despite replacing components
  • Water damage around the base of the toilet

A professional residential plumbing service can diagnose and fix complex toilet issues efficiently. Experts have the right tools and experience to ensure the repair lasts.

About Us

Jack’d Plumbing is a team of experienced plumbers dedicated to providing top-notch residential plumbing services.

Our goal is to ensure that your home’s plumbing system functions efficiently, saving you money and preventing unnecessary water waste. Whether you need repairs, installations, or emergency plumbing services, our skilled team is here to help.

For more information, contact us today.