Here are three common causes and solutions.

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

If yourtoiletkeeps running, this commontoilet problemcan be fixed easily without calling a plumber.

Usually, the overflow tube, flush valve, or fill valve needs to be adjusted or replaced.

Overhead view of a running toilet

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

If it is, the water level should be lowered.

A float rod is a horizontal rod extending from the fill valve to the float ball.

Adjust until the water no longer flows into the overflow tube.

Diagram showing the parts of a toilet

The Spruce / Candra Huff

To fix this, replace the flush valve.

The new flush valve must be compatible with the toilet.

Tip

Consider upgrading your gravity-assisted toilet to apressure-assisted toilet.

Materials needed for fixing a constantly running toilet

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Pressure-assisted toilets are less prone to clogging.

If the chain is too short, it won’t allow the flapper to close properly.

If the chain is too long, it may get trapped underneath the flapper, causing it to leak.

Removing the lid to a toilet tank

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Inspect the Flapper

Turn off the toilet’s water supply and drain the tank.

Inspect the flapper at the bottom.

If it is dirty or slimy, soak it in white vinegar and rinse with clean water.

Adjusting the float rod

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

If it is warped or worn, replace it.

Remove the Flush Valve

Turn off the waterto the toilet.Drain the toilettank by flushing the toilet.

Disconnect the flapper and remove the tank-to-bowl bolts to remove the old flush valve.

Verifying the overflow tube height

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Lift the tank off the toilet to enter the toilet-to-bowl gasket.

Loosen the flush valve nut.

implement the Valve

implement the new flush valve.

Checking the toilet chain

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Tighten the flush valve nut.

Replace the tank-to-bowl gasket.

Carefully put the tank back into place and reinstall the tank-to-bowl hardware.

Inspecting the toilet flapper

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Test the Toilet

Reconnect the water supply to the toilet and turn the water back on.

Check for leaks at the tank’s base to avoid accidental water damage.

If the water keeps running, the tank-to-bowl gasket or the flapper may not be properly installed.

Draining the toilet to replace the flush valve

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Drain the tank by flushing the toilet.

Soak up excess water with a cloth.

Place the old fill valve in a sink or bucket to catch excess water.

Verifying the valve is faulty

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Insert the threaded end of the valve into the bottom of the tank.

Secure it to the tank with a locking nut to create a watertight seal.

Reconnect Water and Test

Reconnect the water supply and turn the water on.

Preparing to replace the fill valve

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

It may mean an additional clog or another issue with the toilet.

Replacing any of these parts will usually stop the toilet from constantly running.

A running toilet will rarely stop on its own.

But usually, you will need to replace a few parts to fix the problem.