Is this your problem?
- Water running into the bowl long after flushing
- Tank refilling on its own every few minutes ('phantom flush')
- Hissing sound from the tank that never stops
- Water bill climbing with no other explanation
Running Toilet? Get a licensed pro on the line now.
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What to do right now
Lift the tank lid and look
Flush and watch: does the flapper seal? Does the fill valve shut off? Does the chain tangle? Diagnosis takes 30 seconds.
Check the flapper
The rubber flapper at the tank bottom warps with age. Press it down — if the running stops, it needs replacing (a few dollars, minutes of work).
Check the water level
Water should sit about an inch below the overflow tube. If it's pouring into the tube, lower the float.
Check the chain
Too much slack tangles; too little prevents sealing. It should have about half an inch of slack.
Call if it's not obvious
Call (844) 699-1165. Fill valve replacements and trickier tank issues are quick, affordable pro visits.
Stay safe
- Tank water is clean supply water — safe to touch, but wash hands after.
- Don't overtighten tank bolts — porcelain cracks.
- Turn the supply valve behind the toilet clockwise if you need to stop water while working.
Mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring it for months — the water bill adds up to far more than the repair.
- Replacing the whole toilet for a $5 flapper problem.
- Using a brick or bottle in the tank to 'save water' — it can interfere with flushing.
- Forcing a stuck fill valve — they snap; then you have a real leak.
What to tell the plumber when you call
Have these answers ready — it gets you the right pro faster and a more accurate quote.
- What exactly it's doing: constant run, phantom refills, hissing
- The toilet's approximate age
- What you already checked (flapper, chain, water level)
- Whether the shutoff valve behind the toilet works
- How many toilets are affected
Not quite your problem?
| Bowl won't flush or drains slowly | Clogged toilet → |
| Water on the floor around the base | Possible base/seal leak — call promptly → |
| Tank not filling at all | Supply issue — check the valve behind the toilet → |
Running Toilet — FAQs
How much water does a running toilet waste?
Can I just jiggle the handle forever?
Is a running toilet urgent?
Should I replace the toilet instead of repairing?
Running Toilet Guides by Metro
Same problem, local context — climate, housing, and water conditions that change the advice.