Do you hear that? It’s the sound of water running constantly. Homeowners often experience this situation while standing in their bathroom and suddenly realizing there is the sound of water flowing. At first, it might not sound like a big deal. But, when you receive your water bill, that small sound of running water suddenly causes you to empty your wallet to pay your bill. The following are a few common reasons toilets run constantly.
First, you need to carefully remove the toilet tank lid from your toilet and place it gently on a flat surface. Then take a look inside the toilet tank to see if you notice any of the following issues.
- Issues with the rubber flap– This issue is often the most noticeable. The chain is attached to the part that controls the water flow from the tank into the bowl. The rubber flap should fit flat at the bottom of the tank. If you notice the rubber flap off balance or damaged, this is the cause of the water constantly flowing. Luckily, this issue is easy to fix by installing a new rubber flap and attaching the chain to it properly. It’s a simple DIY task, but if you prefer not to submerge your arms in the toilet tank water, it’s recommended to contact a plumber for further assistance.
- Broken chain – Before you decide to blame the rubber flap for the running water, take a good look at the chain attached to it. Sometimes this chain is so old it gets rusted and often falls apart. Other times it is just a simple tangle in the chain that can be easily fixed within minutes. Careful inspection of the chain will allow you to determine if it’s the cause of the running water.
- The plastic balloon – Take a look at the round or oval-shaped plastic balloon inside the toilet tank. Does it have holes? Is it old? There are times when a plastic balloon becomes overused and damaged. If the balloon has a tiny hole it will not do its job properly. A replacement part will be required to fix the situation.
Once you have carefully inspected the parts in the toilet tank you should be able to determine the cause of the running water. However, if you observe that all the parts are in good shape and working properly there can be a serious issue that requires the assistance of a professional plumber. Give us a call today to set up an appointment. Our friendly professional staff is waiting to help you with your plumbing needs.