A running toilet is one frequent problem with bathroom plumbing, and it can be inappropriate and a little costly. For instance, when you have an issue with running a toilet, that does not only mean wasting water; it also means an increase in your monthly water bill. On the other hand, it can also cause you a reasonable level of inconveniences, like preventing you from flushing.
It is not hard to know the causes of toilet running intermittently. Also, it is hard to fix this problem, and this is not something you can do on your own unless you are a plumber. Contact a professional plumbing company here to fix this and have your toilet work efficiently.
This article will talk about the major causes of toilets running below.
1.If the float ball is having issues
One of the frequent causes of a running toilet is when there is an issue with the float ball. The float ball is that balloon-like plastic that sits down in the tank when flushing out the water. It goes down when there is no water in the tank and comes up when it is filled with water. The floating ball opens up the inlet valve into the fill tube.
Where there is an issue with the floating ball, like malfunctioning or not correctly aligned, it can prevent the valve from closing, and this can cause a running toilet.
2.If the chain connecting the flush valve is too long
Of all the major causes of toilet running longer or shorter, the chain connecting the flush valve is the most frequent. Remember that water flows into the tank through the valve, right? Of course, this happens immediately after you use up the water in the tank. The flush valve opens up for water to flow in. However, this valve opens and closes due to its chain. Now where the chain is too short or too long, it can cause the valve to malfunction, and this may be that the valve cannot close correctly or at the right time.
3.When the flapper is not functional
It is essential to understand how water enters and leaves the toilet tank. The flush valve is very important for this, and when it is faulty or not working well, it can lead to running water. For instance, where the flapper connected to the flush valve is not functional, it means the valve cannot close completely, and this means water is not fully prevented from entering the toilet tank. This can also cause running toilets.
4.The refill tube is not working efficiently
Have you had time to check on that tube connected to your toilet tank? If yes, that is the refill tube, and it refills the toilet tank with water. This is how the tank replenishes itself, and you can easily use it again and again without doing anything. However, where this tube is not working properly or where the top to the tube is not above the water level, you may start experiencing running toilets.
5.When the gasket is worn
Another cause of toilet running is a worn-out gasket. A seal that connects the toilet tank and the seat is referred to as a gasket. This gasket sometimes requires replacement, and in situations when the gasket is worn out and is not replaced, it can cause running water and can allow water to keep running into the toilet seat.
What Happens If I Have A Running Toilet?
The risk of running is not as simple as expected. It is a situation where the water keeps running, and all you have to do is ignore it. Hence, it is essential to call the attention of qualified plumbers of plumbing companies to help run a repair check on it. Here are some of the consequences of leaving your toilet running unattended.
There is an increased chance of flooding
The first thing to be wary about when you see or notice a running toilet is that it can lead to flooding. When the water keeps running, it can run and fill the water closet or toilet seat. When this happens, water starts to spill into your septic tank, and before you know it, the tank is filled as well.
High repair cost
Leaving a running toilet without fixing it may mean paying higher for the plumber whenever you are ready to fix it. This is how it works if the toilet is kept that way, it begins to wear out other plumbing in the bathroom, and it can mean fixing up as many parts as possible for repair.
Also, where the toilet situation causes flooding, it may become a more significant plumbing issue and can cost you extra bucks.
Increased water bill
When you keep a running toilet, you can end up with a ridiculous amount of water bill. This is unfair but natural since your toilet constantly uses water even without flushing. However, as you keep ignoring the running sound, your water bill keeps increasing, and you may be surprised to see how much this can cost you at the end of a month.
The only way to prevent this is to ensure that you fix a running toilet the moment you notice it is happening.
Conclusion
Every component of your plumbing system is vital and should not be overlooked, and this includes the bathroom plumbing as well. It is essential to pay close attention to your toilet. so you can detect the major causes of a running toilet if you are likely to be experiencing it. This is not hard to notice; if you notice a running water sound in your bathroom, it may be a running toilet. In that case, do not hesitate to inform a professional plumber to take a look and help determine what may be wrong with the system.