Did you know that approximately 27% of your home’s water usage is from flushing the toilet? If you have a running toilet, it can have a major impact on your water bill. Not only does a running toilet waste water and increase your water bill, but a toilet that isn’t functioning properly is a huge inconvenience and affects the comfort of your home.
How to Tell if Your Toilet is Running
The most common sign of a running toilet is the tell-tale “hissing” sound it makes after flushing. It is normal to hear this sound as the toilet refills, but if the sound continues, it is likely that there is a leak. There are other signs to look out for as well:
● Jiggling the handle to make a toilet stop running.
● Water trickles down the sides of the toilet bowl long after it’s been flushed.
● Streaks of mineral buildup form on the walls of the toilet.
● The water level in the bowl constantly changes.
There is a simple test you can perform to see if your toilet is running. Drop 10 to 15 drops of food coloring into the tank of the toilet, but don’t flush. Wait about 10 minutes, then check to see if the water in the toilet bowl is colored. If it is, then you have a leak and your toilet is running.
What Causes a Running Toilet
While toilets may look simple, they have a surprising number of components. This means there could be a number of reasons your toilet is running:
● Faulty overflow valve
● Broken flush valve
● Cracked flapper seal
● Leaky fill valve
● Flush valve chain is broken or the wrong length
● Disconnected toilet handle
You might be able to see the problem if you take the lid off of the toilet tank and look inside. If the flapper is not closed, you may be able to push it down and temporarily stop the toilet from running. However, this doesn’t solve the long term problem. It is time to call a reputable plumber like the professionals at Ace Plumbing.
How to Fix a Running Toilet
Although a running toilet is not an emergency, you want to have it fixed as soon as possible. Not only is the sound of a running toilet annoying, but it cannot flush properly, it wastes water, and it leads to higher water bills.
In some cases, you may be able to fix the problem by replacing a fill valve or flapper, but minor part replacements are not guaranteed to solve the problem. The parts in a toilet tank are sensitive and attempting to fix the problem yourself could potentially cause further damage. In most cases, it’s best to call a professional plumber to quickly and effectively fix the toilet.
Ace Plumbing offers the best plumbing services in the greater Baltimore area at affordable prices. The experts at Ace are licensed, insured, and dependable, and provide unparalleled service on plumbing projects of all sizes. From common problems like running toilets and clogged drains to gas lines and water heaters, Ace quickly resolves issues and restores your plumbing to top condition.
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