Toilets can run for a variety of reasons; for instance, old or worn flappers may need to be replaced, there’s a leak, or the float needs to be adjusted. Since toilets require water systems to run everyday, residents must call an expert if a malfunction takes place to avoid costly water bills, repairs, and replacements.

If you suspect that something is wrong with your toilet, reach out to Hicks Plumbing for a professional inspection. We are a local plumbing service that performs repairs and replacements at cost-effective rates. Our licensed, certified, and trained technicians have earned reputations as some of the best professional plumbers in Northern Virginia. Trust us to respond quickly to your call, identify the problem, and sort out the issue.

Here, we outline how a toilet works, some reasons why your toilet may be running without pause, and its effects on your home life:

How Does a Toilet Flush?

Toilets are not complex machines. They require no electricity to work, nor do they contain a motor. Nevertheless, their attachment to a water system makes them daunting to homeowners who worry about burst pipes or leaks.

So, how does a standard household toilet work? When you pull a toilet’s handle, it operates a lift chain within the tank that lifts the toilet’s flapper. This allows clean water in the tank to empty into the bowl. Meanwhile, the dirty water is siphoned down into the drainage system.

Although their function is simple, toilets can still break down and cause problems. In the past, we even wrote that running toilets are one of the most common plumbing problems. So what creates all the trouble?

Common Causes of A Running Toilet

1. Old/Worn Seal Flapper
   Like all mechanical devices, toilet parts break down and require replacements. For instance, a toilet’s flapper should seal when closed to prevent water from escaping. But if the seal breaks down, water can flow from the tank and into the bowl – even when the flapper is closed.
2. Fill Valve Leak
   Another component that causes issues is the fill valve. After the flapper opens and water runs into the bowl, the fill valve allows new water into the tank and shuts off when it’s full again. However, if the valve leaks, your toilet must flush continuously to prevent overflow.
3. Float Cup is Set Too High
   You might also have a problem with the float cup, which measures the tank’s water level. When set too high, the float cup allows the tank to overfill and release water by running. But a professional plumber can correct this problem by adjusting the float cup’s position.

Effects of Toilet Running

A corroded toilet handle, clogged overflow valve, or malfunctioning lift chain may also cause your toilet to run. Nevertheless, a service professional can quickly resolve many of these issues. You should stay alert for warning signs that call for immediate professional attention.

A running toilet causes some obvious issues. For one, it cannot be used while the nature and cause of the malfunction remain unknown. It also puts stress on a homeowner, as they wonder whether the problem will worsen.

Worst of all, a running toilet costs you money due to the water usage. While the issue may not be your fault, running water still comes at a charge. This is why Hicks Plumbing offers easy plumbing tips that can save you money.

Northern Virginia’s Best Plumbers are Available 24/7 for All Your Service Needs!

We hope that, with the information given above, you know a bit more about your toilet now. Stay on the lookout for warning signs, and if you see any, reach out to Hicks Plumbing. Our professional services include water heater repair, drain cleaning, plumbing repairs, trenchless technology, and more. We aim to be Northern Virginia’s best plumbers, and our community’s support helps us chase that goal. Call us today at (703) 803-7466 or fill out our online form to request a service.