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What Should You Do if Your Toilet Keeps Randomly Running?

Everyone knows the familiar experience of a toilet that won’t stop running. This can be a very frustrating problem.

If your toilet keeps randomly running, how can you solve the problem?

Read on as we would like to offer you some advice. Before you plunge the toilet, check to see if there is a solution you can provide yourself.

Let’s get started!

Contents

Check the Flapper Valve

The most common reason for a toilet to run randomly is a faulty flapper valve. Lift the toilet tank lid and inspect the flapper valve (a rubber or plastic component usually located at the bottom of the tank). Ensure it is properly sealing the flush valve opening. If it’s worn or damaged, replace it with a new one.

Adjust the Chain

If the chain connecting the flush handle to the flapper is too long or too short, it can interfere with the flapper’s proper functioning. Adjust the chain length so that there is just a little slack, allowing the flapper to close completely after each flush.

Inspect the Fill Valve

The fill valve, known as the ballcock or inlet valve, is a crucial component of a toilet’s tank that controls the water supply to the tank. Its primary function is to fill the toilet tank with water after a flush and then shut off the water flow once the tank reaches the appropriate water level.

If you are dealing with a running toilet, the fill valve may be causing the issue if it fails to shut off the water flow properly. Check if it’s operating correctly. If it’s old or malfunctioning, consider replacing it with a new fill valve assembly.

Look for Leaks

Sometimes, a small leak in the toilet tank or around the flapper can cause intermittent running. Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank water and wait for a while without flushing. If you see colored water in the bowl, you have a leaking toilet. Inspect the tank components and replace any damaged parts, such as the tank bolts, washers, or gaskets.

Clean or Replace the Flush Valve

Mineral deposits or debris can accumulate on the flush valve or seat, preventing a proper seal and causing the toilet to run. Clean the flush valve and seat thoroughly. If cleaning doesn’t work, you may need to replace the flush valve or the entire flush valve assembly.

Get the Help of a Professional

If your toilet keeps randomly running, and you can’t do the DIY way, it may be time to get the help of a professional. A professional plumber can help identify the exact cause of the problem and provide solutions for it. If the problem is inside the tank, the home plumber can provide solutions, such as flushing out the tank or removing sediment or debris that could be causing the random running.

A plumber will be able to suggest preventative measures to ensure the issue does not continue, like replacing the flush valve or filling the valve with a better-quality one. It’s important to get professional help from plumbers you can find at your local directories like Silverbackplumbinganddrain.com if you encounter any problems with your toilet, as it could lead to more serious issues down the line.

Know What to Do If Your Toilet Keeps Randomly Running

If you find yourself in a situation where your toilet keeps randomly running, don’t panic. Find the source of the problem and try to fix it yourself, or contact a local plumber for help. Taking action will save you from unnecessary headaches and water waste.

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