Is a Running Toilet That Big of a Deal?

If you hear water moving through your toilet when it is not being flushed, you have a running toilet. This may seem like more of a nuisance than an actual problem. However, a running toilet can use more water than you might think and leave you with a high water bill. 

You can keep reading to learn more about running toilet causes in Layton and what you should do if your toilet is running. Then give our team a call to schedule plumbing service and get your toilet to stop running when it is not being used.

The Problem With a Running Toilet

On average, a running toilet can use 200 gallons of water every single day. Over the course of a month, that’s easily 6,000 gallons of water. Aside from the impact on the environment by using more water, this will increase your monthly water bill.

For comparison, it is estimated that the average individual uses around 3,000 gallons of water per month. So a running toilet uses the same amount of water as two adults. For a family of four, a running toilet can increase your water bill by around 50%.

Reasons for a Running Toilet

Inside the toilet tank, there is a flapper mechanism that helps refill your toilet bowl and allows water to fill the tank back up. If this flapper is not precisely installed, it can allow water to run when a toilet is not in use. 

For example, the flapper seal may be loose, and water may be leaking from the tank into the bowl instead of having a secure seal that prevents water movement between flushes. It’s also possible that the chain attached to the flapper is too short, and the flapper can never close all the way after a flush is complete.

Attached to the flapper and chain is a flotation device that helps aid in flushing. If the flotation device is not adjusted to the right height, it may allow your toilet to run. Other times, the components inside of the tank itself may not be the blame. The attached handle may be stuck, allowing water to continue running between flushes. 

The Professional Difference

You can pick up toilet tank components at any hardware store and replace them yourself. All you need is the replacement parts and some gloves to wear during the repair job. If your home maintenance efforts don’t help, you may have to give us a call.

We can check the flapper installation to make sure it is secure. If that’s not the issue, we can troubleshoot with your toilet and water source to see if something else is wrong. Usually we can find the source of the problem and fix it.

If you have an older home, your toilet may be outdated and need to be replaced. Other times there are issues with the water pressure leading to your toilet that need to be addressed. No matter what is causing a running toilet, we can get it fixed. 

Contact your HVAC and plumbing experts at Rentmeister Total Home Service today! Schedule an appointment for plumbing service with confidence.