Is Your Toilet Running? Here's What to Do

After flushing the toilet, there's the familiar sound of water running to refill the tank and bowl. However, if this sound goes on for longer than usual, it could mean you have a leak that could be wasting a considerable amount of water.

A leaky toilet that's constantly running can waste as much as 200 gallons of water in a single day. That could rack up to more than 6,000 gallons a month, which can also result in an incredibly high water bill.

Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to check for leaks and repair them:

1) Check the water level

In order to determine if you have a leak, you can mark the water level in the toilet tank, turn off the main water supply and wait. Then, check to see where the water level has fallen. If it's any lower than your initial mark, you have a leak.

2) Check the flapper

The flapper mechanism inside the tank could be improperly sealed, causing the leak. They suggest pushing the flapper down when the water is running. If it stops, this means the flapper isn't sealing correctly, and that it needs to be replaced.

3) Check the fill valve

There could also be a leak in the fill valve, which could cause the water to run. To check for this, lift up the float arm inside the toilet tank while the water is running and the tank is filling. Adjust this arm so that the water stops filling the tank 6 to 12 inches below the top of the overflow pipe. If you notice a leak in the fill valve, it's time for a replacement.

While toilets aren't complicated mechanisms, it's important that all repairs and replacements are done right. If you're not the DIY type, or just want expert help, contact your local Roto-Rooter today.