What to Do When Your Toilet Keeps Running

A toilet that never stops running can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day. The good news: the cause is usually one of a few inexpensive parts.

The Usual Culprits

• A worn flapper that no longer seals the tank
• A chain that's too tight or too loose, holding the flapper open
• A faulty fill valve that won't shut off
• A float set too high, sending water down the overflow tube

Quick Things to Check

1. Lift the tank lid and watch a flush cycle.
2. If water keeps trickling into the bowl, the flapper likely needs replacing.
3. If water runs into the overflow tube, lower the float.
4. Adjust the chain so there's just a little slack.

When to Call a Pro

If you've swapped the flapper and float and it still runs, the fill valve or the toilet's seals may be failing. A plumber can replace the internals in under an hour and stop the wasted water for good.