Have you ever had a toilet that just wouldn’t stop running no matter what you did? Many people have plumbing problems in Maryland but none are as persistently annoying as a running toilet. There are many reasons why your toilet may be running, we wanted to take some time today to look at some of the most common reasons your toilet won’t stop running, and how you can fix it.
Check for Any Leaks
If you suspect that your toilet has been leaking, there is one simple way to find out for sure. Once you’re done using your toilet for the night, you’ll want to put some food coloring in it. Then in the morning check to see the color of the water. If it’s still colored then a leak isn’t your problem, but if it’s regular water then that means the colored water has drained out and you have a leak. Once a leak has been found your next step should be to contact a trained Maryland plumber.
Check on Your Toilet Flapper
The toilet flapper is located in the toilet’s tank and is responsible for regulating the water that floods into the bowl. Over time the flapper can be worn down and can even break, preventing it from closing properly. You’ll want to check the bottom of the flapper, looking for any mineral deposits, warping, discoloration, or any kind of damage. The bottom should be smooth and if it’s not then you will probably need to replace it.
Ensure Your Tank’s Water Level is Adequate
Toilet tanks all have a water line, and it’s very important that the water is right at that line. If the water level is below the line, then the tank could cause your toilet to continuously run. Also if the water level is too high it will flow into the overflow tube and will make a constant running sound. Keeping the water level right at the fill line will prevent both of these problems.
Make Sure Your Toilet Chain is Working Properly
The toilet chain raises and lowers the flapper, allowing for water to flow in and out of the tank. You want to look in the tank and locate the chain, it will be connected to the flapper, and then make sure it’s hooked up correctly. At the bottom of the chain there is a small metal hook connected to the flapper, ensure the chain is properly hooked. Next, you will want to check to see if your chain is too long or too short. If it’s too long it can get stuck under the flapper and stop it from properly closing. If it’s too short then the chain won’t be able to work the flapper properly and can become wrapped up. It may be necessary to buy a replacement chain if yours isn’t the right size.
Get Some Help From an Experienced Maryland Plumber
If you’re having plumbing problems in Maryland, you need to contact a professional Maryland plumber. Here at Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating, we’ve been in the business for a long time, and we’ve seen it all. There isn’t a drain we can’t unclog, a running toilet we can’t stop, or a plumbing problem we can’t fix. Contact us today, we’d love to answer any questions you may have!