A running toilet wastes water and makes a noise that drives you mad. If your toilet keeps running, the problem is often simple. Many people in Hawthorne, CA call Mr Harris Plumbing & Handyman for quick help. Our Plumbing Service team fixes this every day.
A running toilet feels small, but it can cost a lot over time. You can try a few simple checks yourself. If you do not want to do it alone, a friendly plumber can fix it fast and clean.
What makes a toilet run?
- The flapper is old or not sitting right.
- The fill valve keeps letting water in.
- The float is set too high.
- The chain is too short or too long.
- Water leaks from the tank into the bowl.
Each part has a name. The tank holds water. The bowl is the part you sit on. Inside the tank, the flapper seals the bottom. The fill valve lets water back in after a flush. The float tells the valve when to stop.
Easy steps to stop it (try these first)
- Turn off the water. Find the small valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise.
- Take the tank lid off. Put it on a towel so it does not break.
- Watch what happens when you flush. See if water keeps moving.
- Check the flapper. Push it down. If the water stops, the flapper is the problem.
- Check the chain. It should have a little slack. If too tight, the flapper can’t close. If it’s too long, it can get under the flapper.
- Look at the float. If the float is too high, the water will keep filling. Bend the arm down a little or move the clip to lower the water level.
- If the fill valve keeps running, it might be old. Replacing the fill valve is cheap and easy for a plumber.
If a rubber flapper looks cracked or stiff, replace it. Flappers are cheap at hardware stores. They fit most toilets. You only need a few minutes to swap one out.
When to call professional Plumbing Services
If you tried simple steps and the toilet still runs, call a plumber. Some issues hide deep inside the tank or in the pipes. Mr Harris Plumbing & Handyman offers fast, honest help in Hawthorne, CA. A trained plumber can:
- Replace the fill valve or flapper the right way.
- Reset the float for the right water level.
- Replace old parts so the toilet stops leaking.
- Check for hidden leaks that raise your water bill.
A pro can also test the seal and the refill tube. They use the right tools. That saves time and stops the problem for good.
Tips to avoid a running toilet later
- Test your toilet every few months. Watch the tank after a flush.
- Replace old rubber parts once a year if your toilet is older.
- Use a gentle cleaner. Harsh chemicals can damage rubber parts.
- If your pipes make noise or the water pressure jumps, tell a plumber. Small changes can mean a bigger issue soon.
Quick fixes you can do today
- Drop a few food coloring drops into the tank. Wait 10 minutes. If color shows in the bowl, you have a leak.
- Tighten the chain if the flapper does not seal.
- Clean around the flapper seat. Dirt can keep the flapper from sealing.
- Lower the float if water fills too high.
These small steps often stop the running. They cost little and take little time.
Why fix it now?
A running toilet wastes water and money. It can wear out parts faster. It can make your water bill grow and cause extra wear on your home’s plumbing. Fixing it soon keeps your home quiet and saves you cash.
Want more home tips or easy fixes? Check our other helpful posts on the Mr Harris Plumbing & Handyman blog for guides on leaks, drains, and simple bathroom repairs:
When repair turns into replacement
Sometimes toilets are old or parts are hard to find. In that case, replacing the whole toilet can be the best move. A new toilet uses less water and works better. Our Plumbing Services team can help choose and fit a new toilet that fits your bathroom and budget.
How we work in Hawthorne, CA
We come on time. We explain what we will do. We show you the problem and the part that needs fixing. We clean up when we finish. Our goal is to leave you with a quiet, working toilet.
If you want a free check, call Mr Harris Plumbing & Handyman. We will give clear, honest advice. Many local homeowners like a fast fix and a friendly voice on the phone.
FAQs
Q1: How much water does a running toilet waste?
A running toilet can waste many gallons a day. Fixing it quickly saves water and money.
Q2: Can I replace the flapper myself?
Yes. Flappers are cheap and most homeowners can swap them in minutes. Turn off the water first and follow the easy steps above. If unsure, call our Plumbing Services.
Q3: My toilet still runs after I replace parts. What now?
If the problem stays, the fill valve or the overflow tube may be the issue. Call a plumber to inspect and replace parts as needed.