At some point, you’ve probably been the victim of a bathroom that runs. Maybe it’s your own or belongs to a friend or family member—but you’ve probably noticed that the toilet will start running if you go into a bathroom and turn on the water for just about anything.
It can be pretty annoying, especially when you’re getting ready for the office in the morning and have to rush around trying to quiet down the toilet so you’re not late for work/school/whatever.
But what causes this problem? And how can you fix it? Confused?
Don’t worry because we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll tell you how your toilet is running all the time, what causes it, what problems it can create, and how to fix it on your own or by hiring an emergency plumber in Salt Lake City.
We’re not going to waste any more time—let’s get started!
Why is your toilet running all time?
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’ve got a toilet that won’t stop running. Not to worry—we’ve got 7 causes of your toilet running all the time and how to fix them!
Faulty Flapper Valve
This is the common reason for a constantly-running toilet. When the flapper valve does not close properly, water continuously flows into the tank instead of into the bowl. If this happens, you may see that your toilet bowl never seems to fill up or there are bubbles in it when it refills.
Improperly Adjusted Fill Valve
If your toilet runs constantly, even when it’s not being flushed, then there might be too much water in the tank because of an improperly adjusted fill valve. The fill valve is what regulates how much water goes into the tank when you flush (or at any other time). It’s possible that too much water is going in at once, so it overflows into your bowl when you flush—and then stays there until you open up a drain hole at some point down below so that water will flow out instead of back up again!
Sediment or Mineral Buildup
When you flush your toilet, some water gets trapped in the bowl and hardens over time. This creates sediment that eventually covers the drain and prevents it from working properly. If this happens very often, you may need to replace your toilet.
Broken or Misaligned Float
Your float is what turns off the water when it reaches a specific level in the tank. It’s possible for this part to break if it’s made with plastic instead of metal (which is better) or if someone has bumped into it—and then it won’t work properly anymore! You’ll know if this is happening because your tank will fill up with water before it runs out of room again (which means there’s still some left).
Damaged or Malfunctioning Fill Valve
This is usually caused by a broken flapper chain, which is what connects your tank to the bowl. The chain can break at any time and cause water to leak out, which will cause your toilet to run constantly until you go for toilet repair/replacement.
High Water Pressure
If you live in any of the Salt Lake City areas with higher-than-normal water pressure, it’s possible that your toilet is being overworked. This can cause the flapper chain to wear out and allow water to leak out of your tank.
Flapper Chain Issues
If the flapper chain isn’t working correctly, it will allow water to leak from your tank into the bowl. A flapper chain that is not attached correctly or has broken can also cause this problem.
6 Problems of Toilet Running All The Time
The toilet is necessary in any home but isn’t always appreciated. In fact, many issues can occur with the average toilet—some of them even fatal! Let’s take a look at the six most common problems associated with toilets.
Wasted Water
How much water are we talking about? Well, the average person uses 35 gallons of water per day in the bathroom alone—and that’s just for flushing. That number goes up if you’re using a lot of water with your shower or sink. Toilet running all the time means more water is being used than necessary for one flush. Increased use of water can lead to an increase in utility costs as well as wasted resources.
Increased Utility Costs
This is particularly true if you have an older toilet that utilizes too much water per flush. If your toilet runs all the time, you could be wasting around 100 gallons of water per day! In fact, according to estimates from HomeAdvisor users, it costs about $100/year for every leaky faucet or running toilet in your home! So if your toilet has been running non-stop for a few years now… well, let’s just say there’s probably no point in calculating how much money has gone down the drain (literally).
Noisy Environment
If your toilet runs all the time, it can be very distracting and disruptive. Not only will it make noise, but it may also cause damage to your plumbing system and cause leaks around your home.
Potential Water Damage
If you have a running faucet all day long, then this could cause serious issues for both your home and your wallet! Not only will it waste water constantly, but it can also cause mold on the walls or floors if left unchecked for too long.
Inconvenience
Another problem with a constantly running toilet is that it’s inconvenient. If your toilet is constantly running, you’ll have to keep emptying your tank so it doesn’t overflow. This means you’ll have to change your schedule and get up earlier than usual in order to empty it, which can be a huge pain in the rear.
Environmental Impact
A second problem with a constantly running toilet is the environmental impact. When you flush your toilet, it releases gallons of water into the sewer system or septic tank below your home—which means tons of water are wasted every day because of one little household annoyance that could be easily solved!
How to fix the toilet running all the time Issue?
If you have ever had to face the issue of a toilet that runs all the time, you know how irritating it must be. Luckily, it’s not a complicated problem to fix—but there are several vital steps you must do to make sure you’re doing it right.
To fix a running toilet issue, you can try the following steps:
Step 1: Check the Flapper Valve
First things first: check the flapper valve. Is it loose? If so, tighten it up with a wrench or pliers and check again. This step is crucial because if this piece is off-kilter, it will prevent your toilet from filling up properly.
Step 2: Adjust the Fill Valve
This is another step to fixing a constantly running toilet. If there’s too much water in your tank, you’re going to have a problem with constant running. To fix it, first, check that your water level isn’t too high by checking the float valve (usually found on the side of your tank). If it’s set correctly, then you’ll want to adjust the fill valve. This valve is normally located at the bottom of your tank and can be adjusted by turning a small screw on top of it. Be careful not to turn this screw too far or too little! You want just enough water coming out of it so that when you flush, all of it goes down and doesn’t overflow into your bowl. If this doesn’t work, then move on to step 3!
Step 3: Clean the Flapper Valve and Seat
Next up—clean both parts of your flapper valve and seat with mild soap or disinfectant (but not bleach!). After thoroughly cleaning them with hot water, let them dry 100% before reworking everything! You can even use vinegar if there are hard water deposits on either part.
Step 4: Check the Float
If you’re lucky to have an older toilet, it might have a ball float that keeps a damper open when it’s full and closed when it’s empty. This is important because if this damper is stuck open, water will run into the tank instead of down into the bowl. To fix this issue, simply adjust the water level in the tank until it’s high enough for the float to be submerged and closed but not so high that it overflows onto the floor when flushed.
Step 5: Check your Flapper Chain
It could be broken! A flapper chain keeps a rubber flap closed against an opening in the bottom of your toilet tank to prevent any water from leaking out when you flush. If it breaks or becomes loose over time (which sometimes happens), then this flap will move around freely until it eventually falls off entirely—at which point our hero will be forced to deal with an emergency situation involving buckets and towels!
Step 6: Test and Make Final Adjustments
After performing the above steps, turn on the water to the toilet and let the tank fill. Flush the toilet and observe if the running issue has been resolved. If the problem persists, recheck the steps to ensure everything is properly adjusted and functioning.
DIY Vs. Professional Toilet Installation, Repair & Maintenance
When it comes to toilet installation, repair, and maintenance, there’s a lot to consider. It can be tricky to do yourself—and it’s also expensive to hire a professional plumber whenever you need something done.
So which is better? DIY or professional? Here’s a comparison chart outlining the differences between DIY (Do-It-Yourself) and professional toilet installation, repair, and maintenance:
|
Aspect |
DIY |
Professional |
|
Skill and Experience |
Requires basic plumbing skills |
Professionals have expertise |
|
Cost |
Generally less expensive |
Can be more expensive |
|
Time and Effort |
May take longer to complete |
Efficient and time-saving |
|
Tools and Equipment |
Requires basic tools |
Professionals have specialized tools and equipment |
|
Quality of Work |
Outcome may vary |
High-quality workmanship |
|
Warranty and Guarantees |
No professional warranty |
Professional warranty may be provided |
|
Complex Issues |
Limited ability to handle complex problems |
Able to handle all types of issues |
|
Safety and Liability |
DIYer assumes liability for any damages or accidents |
Professionals are insured and accountable |
|
Building Codes |
May not be aware of specific building codes or regulations |
Professionals are knowledgeable and adhere to codes |
|
Convenience |
DIY at your own convenience |
Schedule appointments for service |
|
Additional Services |
Limited to basic installation and repair |
Offer additional services such as plumbing inspections, upgrades, etc. |
How Regular Plumbing Maintenance Can Help Prevent Toilet Clogged Salt Lake City?
Regular plumbing maintenance can play a crucial role in preventing toilet clogs in Salt Lake City or any other location. Here’s how it can help:
Early Detection of Issues
Regular maintenance allows a plumber to inspect your toilet’s components using a toilet flange repair kit and identify any potential problems before they escalate. They can identify issues such as mineral buildup, deteriorating seals, or faulty flushing mechanisms that may contribute to clogs.
Clearing Buildup and Blockages
During maintenance visits, plumbers can use specialized tools, such as drain snakes or hydro-jetting equipment, to clear out any accumulated debris, mineral deposits, or small blockages within the toilet drain or pipes. This helps ensure proper water flow and reduces the risk of clogs.
Toilet Tank Cleaning
The average person does not clean their toilet tank very often, but it is important to prevent clogs. The inside of a commode is exposed to urine and other substances that can build up over time and cause blockages or damage to your pipes. If you want to avoid these issues, make sure you clean out your tank on a regular basis or hire a plumber for toilet maintenance in Salt lake city.
Maintenance of Toilet Components
If you want your toilet to function properly for years without causing any problems, then this tip will be helpful: immediately replace or repair any broken or damaged parts! For example, if the flush handle breaks off while flushing… replace it right away! You don’t want a broken handle floating around in there, causing trouble later on down the line when it gets caught on something else inside your pipes (like another piece of metal debris).
Education and Advice
Plumbers in Salt Lake City can offer valuable advice on proper toilet usage and doing toilet flange repair, including what not to flush down the toilet. They can educate you and your household members about items that should never be flushed, such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, and excessive amounts of toilet paper. This knowledge helps prevent unnecessary clogs caused by inappropriate flushing.
Improved Water Efficiency
By cleaning your pipes and fixtures, you can improve water efficiency by reducing the amount of water wasted in your home. In fact, some homeowners can save up to 50% on their water bills by having their plumbing systems cleaned regularly.
FAQs
We get it. You’re busy and don’t have time to deal with toilet problems. That’s why we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions about toilet repair and maintenance that you can utilize as a handy reference.
How do I know if my toilet is broken?
Check the water level in your tank. If it’s low, the water may have leaked out through a crack in the tank. If this happens, be sure to check for leaks at other points in your plumbing system (for example, under your sink).
Does your service include repair?
Yes, our service for toilet repair salt lake city includes the repair of all toilet-related issues. That means we will come to your home and fix whatever needs fixing to get your toilet back in tip-top shape!
What is the best way to maintain my toilet?
We recommend that you use a plunger and toilet repair kit, as it is the most effective tool for unclogging your toilet. If that doesn’t work, try a snake or other specialized tool. If none of those work, call us!
How often should I replace my toilet?
You should replace your toilet every 15 years or so—the average lifespan of a toilet is about 15 years. However, if your toilet is starting to show signs of wear (leaking or otherwise malfunctioning), it’s time for toilet replacement!
How much does a toilet repair cost?
It depends on what’s wrong with it. If you just need a new toilet seat, that’s pretty cheap—about $50. But fixing a leaky toilet could cost anywhere from $200–$300 to fix.
How to clean my toilet?
Cleaning your toilet is easy! All you need is warm water, bleach-free disinfectant, and a scrub brush or rag. You can also use an enzyme-based cleaner for more thorough cleaning. To avoid future buildup, wipe down the inside of your toilet bowl after each use.
It’s Time to call 24/7 Plumbers in Salt Lake City!
When you’re dealing with a clogged toilet, it’s not just about the inconvenience. You could run out of toilet paper or have to change the baby’s diaper in the kitchen sink. You could start to feel grossed out by all the stuff that’s coming out of your drains, and you might even start to think about what else is hiding down there.
With Mr. Expert Plumbing in Salt Lake City, you can rest assured. We have over 10 years of experience providing emergency plumbing services throughout Salt Lake City. Whether you need toilet repair, installation, or maintenance—we’re your guys.
We’re here to help you with all of your plumbing needs. We offer plumbing services, including:
- Repairing leaks and clogs
- Installing new pipes
- Servicing water heaters
- Drain Cleaning
- Leak detection/repair/installation
- Sewer Repair and Replacement
- Water Heater Repair and Replacement
- Toilet Repair and Replacement
- Replacing sinks, faucets, and more!
- Residential and commercial plumbing
- Sewer backup service
Our 24/7 emergency services mean that when your pipes burst, the toilet won’t flush, or the sink starts leaking, we can be there in just a few minutes to fix it for you.
You can call us no matter what time of day it is—or what day of the week—and we’ll be there immediately. We know that when something goes wrong with your toilet, it can be an emergency for you. Our team of licensed, skilled, and trained plumbers will take care of everything from installing new toilets to fixing leaks and clogs in pipes so that your home gets back on track as soon as possible.
So if you’re looking for emergency Plumbing Solutions and Services in Salt Lake City, then look no further than Mr. Expert Plumbing. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at (801) 560-8207!
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