If your toilet randomly runs, it can be annoying and a waste of water. But don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to fix the issue. In this blog post, we will discuss what may be causing your toilet to run and how to troubleshoot the problem. We will also provide some tips for preventing your toilet from running unnecessarily.
What does a toilet randomly running look like?
So what do we mean when we say a toilet is “running?” This simply means that water is continuously flowing into the toilet bowl, even when no one has flushed it. Some people call it phantom flushing because it seems like the toilet is flushing on its own.
If your toilet is running, you will typically hear a hissing or gurgling sound coming from the tank. If you lift the lid of your toilet seat, you will actually see water running from the tank into the bowl. Don’t get a running toilet confused with a leaking toilet. A leaking toilet is when water is seeping from the tank or bowl onto the floor.
Why is it important to fix your running toilet?
Some people may think a running toilet isn’t a big deal, but it actually is. A single toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day, which adds up quickly. Not only is this a waste of water, but it can also increase your water bill.
Why is my toilet randomly running?
There are a few different reasons why your toilet might be randomly running. We’ll go over each one in detail so you can try to figure out which one is causing your issue.
1. High water pressure
If you have high water pressure in your home, it could be causing your toilet to randomly run. What you will want to do is check the water pressure in your home with a water pressure gauge. If it is over 60 psi (pounds per square inch), then that could be the culprit.
2. A faulty flapper
The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the toilet tank that lifts up when you flush the toilet. When it is lifted, water from the tank is released into the bowl. If the flapper is not sealing properly, water can leak from the tank into the bowl, causing the toilet to randomly run.
3. Flapper chain is caught
The flapper is attached to the handle of the toilet via a chain. If this chain is too short, it can become caught on the handle, preventing the flapper from sealing properly. This will cause water to leak from the tank into the bowl, causing the toilet to randomly run.
4. The wrong size flapper
If you have recently replaced the flapper in your toilet, it is possible that you are using the wrong size. If the flapper is too big or too small, it will not seal properly and water will leak from the tank into the bowl. This will cause the toilet to randomly run.
5. A faulty fill valve
The fill valve is responsible for filling the toilet tank with water after it has been flushed. If the fill valve is not working properly, it can cause water to continuously flow into the toilet tank, and subsequently, into the bowl.
6. Refill tube is improperly installed
The refill tube is the plastic tube that runs from the fill valve to the overflow pipe. If this tube is not installed properly, it can cause water to continuously flow into the toilet tank and bowl.
How do you fix a toilet that is randomly running?
Here are some fixes you can try if your toilet is randomly running:
- If your toilet is randomly running, the first thing you will want to do is check the water pressure in your home. If it is over 60 psi, you may need to install a pressure-reducing valve to reduce the pressure. If you don’t know how to do this, you can hire a plumber to do it for you.
- If you think the issue may be with the flapper, you can try replacing it. Flapper valves are very inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores.
- If the flapper chain is caught, you can try adjusting it so that it is not caught on the handle.
- If you have recently replaced the flapper and think the issue may be with the size, you can try a different size.
- If you think the fill valve may be the issue, you will need to replace it. Fill valves are a bit more expensive than flappers, but they can also be found at most hardware stores.
If you’re not sure what is causing your toilet to randomly run, you can always hire a plumber to come and take a look. They will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
Preventing your toilet from randomly running
There are a few things you can do to prevent your toilet from randomly running in the future.
First, make sure that you never flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. This includes things like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and wet wipes.
Second, do not flush your toilet more than necessary. This will help to prevent the flapper from wearing out prematurely.
Third, make sure you get your plumbing inspected regularly. This will help to identify any potential problems before they become serious.