Why the Toilet Keeps Running and How To Fix It in Oxford, MS

Are you asking why the toilet keeps running in your home? If so, you’re not alone. Toilets that run continuously, even when not in use, are noisy and wasteful.

Happy Pipes Plumbing and its trusted plumbers in Oxford, MS, are here to help. Review our guide below to learn about the causes of continuous toilet running and what to do about it. 

Why Toilets in Oxford Run Continuously

Persistent running water is just one of the many toilet problems that Oxford residents experience. It may seem insignificant, but it can become serious if left unchecked for too long. 

When toilets run or refill frequently, they’re wasting water by the gallons. Some part of the toilet is leaking, so understanding why the toilet keeps running starts with finding the leak. Let’s examine the primary causes of this issue and their solutions. 

Disconnected Flapper Chains

When you flush your toilet, the handle lifts the rubber flapper inside the tank. A flapper chain connects to the flapper and the flush lever. Sometimes, these chains separate from either component, affecting the commode’s flushing capabilities. 

If you reconnect the chain and it’s too short, water will constantly fill into the toilet bowl because the flapper won’t seal properly. Check the height of the chain by lifting the lid off the tank and jiggling the flush lever to see how well the chain lifts the flapper. 

Old Flappers That Need Replacing

The flapper itself could be the problem. These rubber or plastic stoppers control the flow of water in and out of the tank. When you flush the toilet, the flapper chain lifts the flapper to empty the tank’s water, then it refills once the flapper is back down. 

Inspect your toilet’s flapper. If it looks cracked, torn, or generally degraded, it may not be forming a tight enough seal. Simply disconnect it from its chain and replace it with a similar model.

Incorrect Overflow Tube Height

The overflow tube is a hollow cylinder that connects to the flush valve. If the tank’s water levels are too high due to a constantly running fill valve, the excess water will flow into the tube.

A short refill tube will cause water to overflow constantly, prompting the fill valve to refill the tank. You can replace the refill tube with an appropriately sized one if it’s too short.

You may be able to cut oversized tubes down to size to avoid the need for replacement. 

Mispositioned Floats

A float out of position may be why the toilet keeps running in your Oxford residence. The float ensures the water level inside the tank is at the appropriate height. A low-set float arm will cause a weak flush, whereas a high-set one will cause water to empty into the overflow tube, triggering the fill valve to refill the tank.

To check whether your toilet float is mispositioned, find the fill level mark on the back of the tank and mark it on the tube. If you don’t see a mark, measure about an inch down the overflow tube to make one.

Then, flush the toilet while looking into the tank to see where the water level stops. If the water level exceeds or fails to reach that mark on the overflow tube, you need to readjust the float.

Stuck Toilet Handles

Sometimes, toilets run simply because their flush handles are stuck. You could fix this problem by gently tugging on the lever inside the tank. 

When To Contact Plumbing Professionals in Oxford for Help

Even if you know why the toilet keeps running, troubleshooting the problem might not resolve the issue. If the water overflows or the toilet continues running after fixing what you thought was wrong, it’s time to contact an Oxford-based plumber for help. Your toilet might require a professional diagnosis and repairs.