The Cost of a Leak: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Running Toilet
Does your toilet continue to run after the flush is finished? Or, does it sometimes surge, even when not in use? Is this a problem, or merely an annoyance? Let’s investigate this common plumbing repair, what is happening, and the results.
Is a Running Toilet an Emergency? Understanding Your Plumbing Repair Needs
For most toilets, water is stored in a tank until needed. When the toilet is flushed, gravity causes the stored water to drop into the bowl. To keep the water from overflowing the bowl, equilibrium pushes the wastewater to the drain and allows clean water to fill the bowl.
If the water from the tank continues to run after a flush, it eventually reaches the equilibrium threshold and the water leaks into the drain. Sometimes the extra water causes a surge of water to the drain.
The Mechanics of a Flush
Several components inside the toilet tank control and facilitate the normal flush.
- The handle is connected to a chain or cable. When pushed down, the other end of the handle pulls the chain up.
- The chain is connected to a flapper valve. The flapper valve covers the opening between the tank and the bowl. Pushing the handle pulls the flapper valve up.
- As the tank empties, a float valve drops and releases water from the supply lines. The water fills the tanks and lifts the float, closing the valve.
- If something goes wrong, an overflow tube delivers the excess water into the bowl.
- Newer dual flush toilets use a flush valve system that allows two different water volumes: one for liquid waste and one for solid waste. The water flow is managed by a tower with two buttons at the top of the tank, which differs from the standard flapper and chain.
Plumbing Repair 101: Why Your Toilet Won’t Stop Running
- The most common cause of a leaky tank is a defective flapper valve. The surface of a flapper must completely seal the opening into the tank. Age and use can corrode the once smooth surface and allow water to pass through, a little at first, but more as time passes.
- The length of the chain or cable can cause the flapper valve to leak. If the chain is too short, it doesn’t let the flapper valve seal properly. If the chain is too long, it may get caught under the flapper valve. Left the tank lid and tested the chain’s effectiveness.
- The float valve rides on a rod in the tank, and the water in the tank usually contains mineral salts. The salts adhere to the rod, creating scales. These scales can interfere with the smooth movement of the float as it slides up and down the rod.
- The overflow tube can also age and deteriorate. When that happens, it will allow water to overflow into the bowl.
Knowing what happens when the toilet runs excessively and why it is happening can help provide the correct plumbing repair solution. Replacement parts are available at home improvement stores for those with training or experience (and a brave heart). The rest of us can call Doctor Cool Plumbing to make sure the replacement parts are installed properly. It is essential that the problem is fixed, since the overflow is wasting water and costing money.
Doctor Cool’s Guide: Mastering the Basics of Toilet Plumbing Repair
Don’t let a running toilet flush your hard-earned money away through wasted water and higher utility bills. Our expert team is ready to diagnose your tank issues and provide a permanent, professional plumbing repair that restores your peace of mind. Call Doctor Cool today to schedule your plumbing repair appointment and ensure your home stays leak-free.