Toilet Won’t Stop Running? Here’s How to Fix It and Avoid Costly Water Bills
Reading Time: 5minutes
A toilet that won’t stop running is more than just a minor annoyance—it’s a fast way to waste hundreds of gallons of water and drive up your utility bill. While jiggling the handle might temporarily quiet things down, the real problem won’t go away on its own. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why your toilet won’t stop running, how to fix it, and when it’s time to call a professional plumber.
How to Be Sure Your Toilet Won’t Stop Running Anytime Soon
If you want to guarantee your toilet keeps running indefinitely, here’s what you should do:
Ignore it. The sound of running water? Just white noise, right?
Trust that it will fix itself. Spoiler alert: It won’t.
Keep jiggling the handle. You might get lucky once or twice, but it’s only masking the real issue.
If you don’t want to waste water and money, keep reading to learn why your toilet won’t stop running and how to fix it.
What to Do Immediately If Your Toilet Won’t Stop Running
If you notice your toilet running nonstop, act fast to prevent unnecessary water loss and possible plumbing damage.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply (But Be Careful!)
Locate the shutoff valve near the base of the toilet and turn it clockwise to stop the water flow. ⚠ Warning: If your plumbing is older—especially if you have CPVC pipes or an old shutoff valve—be careful. Turning the valve too forcefully can cause a major leak if the pipes or valve are brittle. If it’s stuck or feels weak, it’s best to leave it alone and call a plumber instead.
2. Remove the Tank Lid and Inspect the Flapper
One of the most common reasons a toilet won’t stop running is a faulty toilet flapper. If it’s not sealing properly, water will keep leaking into the bowl. You can try pressing it down gently to see if the running stops. If it looks worn,a simple flapper replacement could be your answer.
3. Check the Float
The float controls the water level in the tank. If it’s stuck too high, the water won’t shut off properly. Try adjusting it to a lower level and see if that stops the running.
4. Listen for Continuous Flow
Even after these adjustments, you might still hear water running. If so, there could be an issue with the fill valve or even your home’s water pressure.
5. Call a Plumber if the Problem Persists
If you’ve tried the basics and your toilet still won’t stop running, it’s time for a professional inspection. Waiting too long can lead to expensive water bills and potential plumbing damage.
Why a Running Toilet is a Bigger Problem Than You Think
Many homeowners assume a running toilet is just a minor inconvenience. But in reality, it can lead to:
Skyrocketing Water Bills – A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day. That’s real money going down the drain.
Potential Water Damage – If your toilet is constantly refilling, there’s a risk of overflow or leaks, which can damage your floors and walls.
Annoying Noise – That endless trickling sound? It’s not just irritating—it’s a sign your plumbing system is losing efficiency.
Environmental Waste – Every drop of wasted water matters. A single running toilet can waste over 6,000 gallons per month!
It’s Like Leaving a Faucet Running—And It Can Mimic a Major Leak
A running toilet isn’t just a minor plumbing issue—it’s the equivalent of leaving a faucet running 24/7. At Aaron Services, we get calls every day from homeowners who think they have a major underground water leak because their water bill has doubled or tripled. They check their yard, inspect their pipes, and can’t find any visible leaks. The culprit? A running toilet. Before you panic about a hidden pipe burst, check your toilets first—you might be surprised at how much water is silently draining away.
Why Your Toilet Won’t Stop Running (Common Causes & Fixes)
If your toilet keeps running, it’s likely due to one of these issues:
If the fill valve is malfunctioning, it won’t shut off properly, causing an endless refill cycle. Replacing it is often the best solution.
3. Float Set Too High
A float that’s set too high will let water keep flowing into the overflow tube, meaning the toilet won’t stop running. Lowering the float to the correct level can often fix the issue.
4. Chain Problems
A chain that’s too short, tangled, or misaligned can prevent the flapper from sealing correctly. Ensure it has some slack so the flapper can fully close.
5. High Water Pressure
Most homeowners don’t realize that high water pressure can keep a toilet running. If the pressure is too high, it can force water past the fill valve, preventing it from shutting off completely. Over time, this extra pressure can also wear out toilet components faster, leading to frequent repairs.
If your toilet won’t stop running, follow these steps:
Inspect & Replace the Flapper – This is one of the easiest and most effective fixes. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Adjust the Float – Lower it to prevent continuous refilling.
Replace the Fill Valve – If it’s old or malfunctioning, install a new one.
Fix the Chain – Ensure it has the right amount of slack.
Test Your Water Pressure – If it’s too high, consider installing a pressure-reducing valve to prevent further plumbing issues.
An Extra Plumbing Tip:
If you find that you have to replace your toilet flapper often, or your toilets keep running after they’ve been repaired, your house cleaning strategies could be the culprit. Cleaning tablets that go inside your toilet tank don’t just eat away at dirt and grime – they also eat away at the rubber gaskets inside your toilet tank. While they may save you cleaning time, they’ll cost you in repair time (and possibly repair dollars!) We say, skip the cleaning tablets and save yourself a call to a plumber.
When to Call a Plumber for a Running Toilet
Sometimes, DIY fixes aren’t enough. Call a professional if:
✔ You’ve tried the above fixes, but the toilet still won’t stop running. ✔ Your water bill has suddenly increased. ✔ Your shutoff valve is stuck or leaking. ✔ You suspect a deeper plumbing issue, like high water pressure or worn-out pipes.
Why Aaron Services is the Right Choice to Fix Your Running Toilet
At Aaron Services, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing running toilets quickly and affordably. Here’s why customers trust us:
Licensed & Experienced Technicians – We’ve seen it all and know how to fix it right the first time.
No Emergency Fees – A running toilet is frustrating, but you shouldn’t have to pay extra to fix it fast.
Fast & Reliable Service – We’ll get your toilet back to normal before your next water bill spikes.
If Your Toilet Won’t Stop Running, You May Need An Expert Hand
A toilet that won’t stop running isn’t just annoying—it’s wasting water and costing you money. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Call Aaron Services today for fast, reliable plumbing service!
