Why Does My Toilet Run After I Flush It?
Frequently Asked Questions
During the life of your toilet, you may experience some issues with it. Sometimes after flushing, it will continue to run. It isn’t uncommon but it isn’t normal behaviour. It’s an indication something is wrong.
How Do I Know If The Toilet Is Running
You will be able to hear the sound of running water and you will be able to see it. Rather than a flat surface of still water in the toilet bowl, it moves a bit. Water can also be seen entering the bowl, under the rim, and traveling down the sides.
In the back of the toilet, it is more obvious as the water level in the tank goes down continually. The tank does not fill or stay filled. Instead, it just keeps draining away.
Will It Go Away?
No. It’s best to get it fixed because it will cost money on your municipal bill. Some bills, such as in Barrie, are sent out every second month so it could be a while before you see just how much it’s costing you.
A running toilet is worse than a leaking toilet because the amount of water wasted is greater. It isn’t uncommon for a running toilet to use a full cubic meter per hour. One cubic meter is equal to 1,000 litres of water.
By comparison, a small leak from a dripping tap – a constant 1/8 inch diameter stream can waste 372 cubic metres of water per month. This could amount to charges of more than $1,600 a month. A running toilet will cost more depending on how long it goes on.
The Water Meter
In municipalities, household water use is tracked through a water meter. It is installed after the shutoff valve on the incoming water line.
The meter has a counting mechanism that only operates when water is flowing through the meter. It stops counting when there is no water moving through the meter. The meter can also let you know if there is a leak in your plumbing system whether it’s a dripping tap or a toilet.
Incoming and Outgoing Water
Water comes in and it goes out. In addition to charges for the amount of water that enters the house, your water bill will include a charge for the amount leaving the house as wastewater. It is used water from your sinks and toilets, showers, washing machine, etc., that goes back to the municipal water treatment plant through drain pipes and sewer system.
Toilet Shutoff
The toilet is one of the household fixtures that is required to have a water shutoff. It is located on a small tube that runs alongside the exterior of the toilet. It is the water line that goes to the toilet tank. Shutting it off isolates the toilet from other plumbing. It’s not a long-term solution but if something breaks, it will stop water from damaging the area around the toilet.
Why Is My Toilet Running?
There are several different reasons ranging from calcium buildup on the flapper to a loose handle on the toilet. Hard water residue can build up on all the moving parts inside the tank. In addition, the chain that operates the float mechanism inside the toilet tank could be caught.
The Flapper
When the toilet is working properly, water is held in the tank by the flapper. If it is worn out or isn’t seated correctly, or if it has sediment underneath it, the flapper cannot create a proper seal to hold the water in the tank.
The Float
The float is adjustable. It controls the water level in the tank. The toilet’s ability to flush depends on the level of the float. If it is set too high, the toilet keeps running. Too low and it will create problems with the flush.
The Chain
If the chain is not caught in the float mechanism, the clip that holds the chain onto the flush handle may need adjustment. If the chain is too short, it won’t allow the flapper to close and water will run into the toilet bowl.
Other Tank Issues
The toilet handle nut could be loose. If the handle is loose, it won’t be able to return to its normal flush position.
Calcium, Sediment, and More
Any buildup in the bowl along the rim will affect the flush. Anything that is stuck in the toilet will affect the flush.
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The Role of the Drain
An inability to flush could be the result of a clogged drain. A toilet drain will become plugged by items that wind up in it either intentionally or accidentally. Food, grease, hair, toilet paper, or other items you may think are flushable may clog the toilet drain. The list includes coffee grounds, dental floss, syringes, tissues, wipes, napkins, diapers, cat litter, and hygiene products.
Some items that inadvertently end up in the toilet bowl range from cat and dog toys, to children’s toys, even the occasional set of false teeth, eyeglasses, cellphones, and keys.
Clogged drains can affect one or more fixtures at the same time. If all the drains are affected, it could be an issue with your main drain.
Cleaners and Coloured Water
Chemical cleaners will shorten the life of the toilet. Keep them out of the back of the toilet. It hardens the rubber and the flapper cannot seal properly. Chemical cleaners are also hard on all parts of the toilet which can affect its ability to flush.
The Fill Valve
This is the mechanism that fills the tank with water. It is also known as a ballcock. It is subject to aging and may also, depending on how hard the water is, collect debris. If it is an older model, it may need to be replaced.
The Fill Tube
This small flexible tube runs from the fill valve to the toilet overflow tube. It can be loose. It can also fall off.
If any of the above issues are fixed and the toilet continues to run, it may be time to replace it. Plumbtech Plumbing can troubleshoot the issue and provide a solution. The Barrie and area plumbing company can also replace and install a new toilet.
New Toilets
Toilets are available in a variety of designs and functions. Models range from elongated or round front, white, bone, and several other colours, low flow, standard height, and ‘right height’ versions among others. Right-height models have a higher bowl. In addition, a heated toilet seat can be added. It has a heat setting that can be adjusted for individual preference.
