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As a plumber I am often called out for a major plumbing repair such as replacing a hot water heater or even installing a water softener. After completing the initial project that prompted the call the client will often ask our plumbers to take a look at another issue that they have been dealing. The most frequent issue is a toilet that seems to run more than it should. A toilet that is running all the time can really waste a lot of water.

One of the most common reasons that a toilet will run is the flapper has lost it’s seal. Most flappers on toilets will vary from brand to brand and it may be difficult to find the flapper you need at the hardware store. If you are going to replace your flapper yourself it’s not a bad idea to take apart and get a good look at your flapper that needs replaced. This will help you match up a similar flapper. Most plumbing suppliers will actually have a better quality flapper that will fit more toilets than what you get at the hardware store.

If you’re not sure if your flapper is causing your toilet to leak you can test it with food coloring. Food coloring can be added to the tank of your toilet. This will make any water that is leaking visible once the bowl is opened.

The second most common reason a toilet runs is the fill valve. A fill valve is the device that controls how much water is let into the toilet. A fill valve is something  that be adjusted to let in more or less water into the tank. If you water level is set too high it could cause the tank to spill out water into the toilet bowl.