If you’ve ever lived in a house with a shared bathroom, you know how inconvenient it can be when your toilet runs constantly and leaves waste in the bowl. If your toilet is running more often than it should, it probably means that something is blocking the flow of water from the tank to the bowl. This can be inconvenient for multiple households in a home since every bathroom has a toilet that relies on water flowing freely from the tank to the bowl in order to function properly. Unfortunately, toilets are notorious for occasionally running because of problems with their trap, or the hidden part of the toilet that filters waste from the tank and traps it in the bowl. If your toilet is running constantly, there are a few things you can try before calling a plumber to investigate further and fix the issue. Keep reading to learn more about why toilets run and what you can do about it!

What causes a toilet to run constantly?

There are several things that can cause a toilet to run constantly. The first thing to check is the float in the tank. Float devices are usually a small plastic piece that rises as water level in the tank decreases. The float should be resting on the toilet float valve when the tank is full, but as the water level drops, it will begin to float up the tube and shut off the toilet’s water supply. If the float valve is not working properly, the toilet will run constantly. This can be caused by sediment in the tank, or a build-up of debris in the float mechanism. To check for sediment, you can remove the float valve and scrub it with a brush and a little bit of bleach. If the float is clean, you can try cleaning out the tank to remove any build-up of debris. If the float is caked in sediment or debris, it could be time to call a plumber! You can also try adjusting the float valve to make sure it is fully opening all the way and letting water into the tank.

Check your toilet for a clog

Another common cause of running toilets is clogs. If you have a clog in the trap, all water will have to go through that one spot before it reaches the bowl, causing a backup of water and waste. There are two common types of clogs that you can check for and remove: Hair and Fat Clogs. Hair clogs can be difficult to remove, but are usually easy to spot. Hair clogs occur when hair gets trapped in the trap and grows roots. Eventually, the roots will break off and block the trap. To remove a hair clog, you’ll need to unscrew the trap, remove the nut and chain, and use a small wire brush or plunger to break up the hair and loosen the roots. Fat clogs are more common in older toilets because they are designed to trap fats and oils, which are more difficult to break down than hair. If you suspect you have a fat clog, you can try using a plunger to break up the material. If you are still unable to get rid of the clog, you may need to call a plumber.

Try removing the toilet’s lid

Lastly, you can try to remove the lid from your toilet bowl and check for a clog. This may sound silly, but it can help you determine if you have a clog before you even start cleaning the toilet. If you have a clog in the trap, the water will have to go through the bowl, the trap, and all the way back up through the bowl again. If the lid is on, it will cause a backup of water and waste in the bowl, which will allow you to see the clog from the inside. If you use a toilet brush and water to loosen up the clog, you’ll be able to remove it and fix the problem.If you have a clog in your trap, it is best to call a plumber as soon as possible. Overnight, the clog could cause the toilet to overflow. Not only could this be dangerous if the toilet is in a home, but it could also cause water damage to your property.

Conclusion

Toilet running is a common problem that can be annoying and inconvenient. There are several things you can try before calling a plumber, but if you are still unable to stop the toilet from running, you may need to call a professional. Make sure to keep an eye on your toilet and check for a clog before calling a plumber. If you have a clog, try removing the lid to see if you can identify the source. If all else fails, you can call a plumber to come out and check for any issues with the trap or float mechanism.