A worn or misaligned flapper
If the rubber flap at the bottom of the tank doesn't seal, water leaks into the bowl and the tank keeps refilling. A common cause when the toilet tops itself up every so often.
Plumbing problem
Toilet keeps running? Here's how to find the cause.
A toilet that runs on its own wastes water, and the cause is usually inside the tank. Lift the lid and you can see most of it yourself. No tools needed for these checks.
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What's likely going on
These are typical causes, not a diagnosis. A pro looking at yours can tell you which it is.
A chain that's too short or tangled
If the chain holds the flapper slightly open, water runs constantly.
The float is set too high
If the water rises above the top of the overflow tube, it drains away down the tube and the fill valve never shuts off.
A tired fill valve
If the water level looks right but the valve keeps hissing or running, the fill valve itself may need replacing.
Safe things to check yourself
- Take the lid off and watchSet the lid somewhere safe, flush, and watch the tank refill. Note where the water goes and whether it stops.
- Check the water levelFind the overflow tube in the middle of the tank. If water is spilling into it, the float is set too high. Many tanks have a fill line marked inside.
- Look at the chainWith the flapper closed, the chain should have a little slack. Untangle it, or move the clip a link if it's pulling the flapper open.
- Press the flapper downPush the flapper down gently with a gloved hand. If the running stops, the flapper isn't sealing.
- Try the food colouring testAdd a few drops of food colouring to the tank and don't flush. If colour shows up in the bowl after 15 to 20 minutes, water is leaking past the flapper.
- Know your shut-offThe valve on the wall behind the toilet turns its water off. Turn it clockwise to stop the running until it's fixed.
When to leave it to a plumber
- Water is leaking onto the floor around the base, or the tank or bowl is cracked.
- The shut-off valve won't turn, or starts leaking when you touch it. Don't force it.
- Water comes up in the bowl, a tub or a floor drain on its own, which can point to a drain blockage.
If water is spreading toward walls, ceilings below or anything electrical, turn off the water at your home's main shut-off and call a plumber.
Show a licensed plumber on video
Point your phone at it and a licensed plumber tells you what's likely going on, what's safe to try next and whether it needs someone on site. $34 for 15 minutes or $59 for 30, and you only pay when a pro connects. Hollr is launching across Canada, so join the waitlist for your invite.
Questions
Advice only: Hollr pros diagnose and guide over video, and refer anything that needs hands on site. Live electrical panels and gas lines are never walked through on a call. Hollr checks every plumber's licence with the provincial body that issues it. How we check.
Is a running toilet urgent?
Usually not an emergency, but it wastes water and can push up your water bill. Turning off the shut-off valve behind the toilet stops it until it's fixed. Water leaking onto the floor is more urgent.
Why does my toilet run for a few seconds on its own?
Water is usually leaking slowly from the tank into the bowl, often past the flapper, and the fill valve tops it back up. The food colouring test confirms it.
Can I replace a toilet flapper myself?
Many homeowners do. Flappers come in different sizes and styles, so match the old one or check your toilet's make and model. If you're not sure which part you need, a plumber can tell you.
Can a plumber help with a running toilet over video?
Yes. On a Hollr call, a licensed plumber can look inside the tank with you, tell you which part is failing and what to buy, and talk you through the fix. If it needs a visit, they tell you.