There are few sounds more annoying than the endless hiss of a running toilet. It starts as a background noise you can ignore, but eventually, it becomes a constant reminder that something isn’t right in your bathroom. Beyond the irritation, if your toilet keeps running, it can be a silent budget killer.

A continuously running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water daily, leading to a surprisingly high water bill at the end of the month. It’s a problem that impacts both your wallet and the environment.

At G.A. Eberly Plumbing & Heating, we understand how frustrating household plumbing issues can be. We have helped homeowners and businesses across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. for over 115 years. Since 1909, our family-owned and woman-operated business has been the trusted name in local plumbing, with every repair supervised by a Master Technician to ensure quality craftsmanship.

If you’re hearing that constant running water sound, don’t panic. Often, the cause is simple enough for a homeowner to diagnose and fix on their own. In this guide, we will walk you through safe, simple troubleshooting steps you can try today. We will also help you identify when a DIY fix isn’t enough and when it’s time to call in a professional.

Don’t wait—fix it now. Schedule your service today if your toilet keeps running and these steps don’t solve the problem.

Photo by Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. on Unsplash

Why Your Toilet Keeps Running

To understand why your toilet keeps running, it helps to know a little bit about what happens inside the tank when you flush. It’s actually a fairly simple mechanism, but like any mechanical system, parts can wear out over time.

When you push the handle, a chain lifts a flapper valve at the bottom of the tank, allowing water to rush into the toilet bowl. Once the tank is empty, the flapper falls back into place, sealing the drain. Then, a fill valve turns on, and the tank fills. As the water rises, a float rises with it. When the float reaches a specific height, it shuts off the fill valve.

If your toilet keeps running, it usually means one part of this cycle is broken. The most common reasons include:

• A worn flapper valve: If the rubber seal is old or warped, water leaks into the bowl, forcing the fill valve to keep refilling the tank.
• Improper water level: If the float is set too high, water spills into the overflow tube, causing a continuous loop of filling and draining.
• Mineral buildup or debris: Springfield, VA, and the surrounding DMV area often deal with hard water. Minerals can build up on seals, preventing them from closing tightly.
• A faulty fill valve: Sometimes the valve itself just won’t shut off.
• Overflow tube issues: If the tube is cracked or the refill tube is positioned wrong, it can cause constant running.

Even a small leak can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day, according to the EPA. That’s why catching these issues early is essential.

Step-by-Step Checks to Stop a Running Toilet

Before calling a plumber, we recommend a few simple checks that many homeowners can safely perform. You don’t need expensive tools for most of these—just a little patience and a look inside the tank.

Step 1 – Check the Flapper Valve

The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. Because it sits in water constantly, it is prone to decay over time.

1. Remove the tank lid carefully. Place it on a towel or rug so it doesn’t crack.
2. Inspect the rubber seal. You are looking for warping, cracks, or disintegration. If you touch it and black rubber residue comes off on your finger, it’s time for a replacement.
3. Check for debris. Sometimes, mineral deposits prevent the flapper from sealing against the flush valve seat.
4. Ensure the flapper sits flat. Press down on it with a stick or long spoon. If the noise stops, the flapper isn’t sealing properly and likely needs to be replaced.

Tip: Cleaning mineral buildup from the rim where the flapper sits can sometimes stop running immediately. You can use an old sponge or scouring pad to gently clean the seat.

For a detailed visual guide on replacing a flapper, checking out this tutorial from Family Handyman can be very helpful.

Step 2 – Inspect the Chain

The chain connects the flush lever (the handle) to the flapper. It seems insignificant, but the length of this chain is critical.

• Too tight: If the chain is too short, it pulls the flapper up slightly even when the handle is down, allowing water to leak into the bowl.
• Too loose: If the chain is too long, it might get caught under the flapper as it drops, preventing a good seal. It can also mean the flapper doesn’t lift high enough for a full flush.

Simple fix: Adjust the chain length by moving the clip to a different link. There should be just a little bit of slack when the flapper is closed.

Step 3 – Examine the Fill Valve

If the flapper and chain look fine, the issue might be the fill valve itself. This is the tall tower-like mechanism that brings water into the tank.

• Listen closely. If the tank is full but you still hear a hissing sound, the fill valve might not be shutting off completely.
• Check for debris. Sometimes sediment from the water lines can get stuck in the inlet valve.
• Look for stuck components. Ensure the arm connecting the float to the valve moves freely.

Note: Older fill valves often need replacement rather than adjustment. If yours looks like an old-fashioned ball-cock style (with a giant floating ball on a long metal arm), consider upgrading to a modern integrated fill valve.

For more on identifying faulty fill valves, The Spruce offers a great breakdown of the different types you might encounter.

Step 4 – Look at the Overflow Tube

The overflow tube is a safety mechanism. It’s an open pipe in the middle of the tank that prevents water from spilling onto your bathroom floor if the fill valve fails.

• Check the water level. The water should stop about an inch below the top of the overflow tube.
• Look for water flow. If water is constantly spilling into the top of this tube, your water level is set too high (see Step 5).
• Check the refill tube. There is a small flexible tube that clips onto the overflow pipe. Make sure the end of it is above the water line, not submerged inside the overflow pipe, which can create a siphon effect.

Step 5 – Test the Float

The float tells the fill valve when to stop. If it’s set too high, the water rises until it flows into the overflow tube, and the fill valve never gets the signal to shut off.

• Identify float type. You likely have a “cup” float (a cylinder that slides up and down the fill valve) or a “ball” float (a ball on the end of an arm).
• Adjust the float.
• For a ball float, there is usually a screw near the valve that you can turn to lower the arm.
  • For a cup float, look for a long screw or a clip on the side of the fill valve tower. Turn the screw or slide the clip to lower the float’s position.
• Check for sticking. Sometimes the float gets stuck against the side of the tank. Make sure it moves up and down freely.

If you are unsure how to adjust your specific model, This Old House has excellent resources on adjusting toilet tank water levels.

What Is the Most Common Cause of a Constantly Running Toilet?

While all the issues listed above are possible, the worn or misaligned flapper is the most frequent cause of a constantly running toilet.

Because the flapper is made of rubber and is constantly submerged in water, it degrades faster than the hard plastic components. In the Springfield, VA area, hard water can accelerate this process. As minerals build up on the rubber, it loses flexibility and can’t form a watertight seal.

However, if you have replaced the flapper and the problem persists, it is often a sign of a failing fill valve or a cracked flush valve seat. According to WikiHow, systematically ruling these out is the best way to solve the problem.

How To Get Your Toilet To Stop Running When These Fixes Don’t Work

You’ve jiggled the handle, replaced the flapper, and adjusted the float, but the water is still running. What now?

If these DIY steps don’t stop the running toilet, you may be dealing with:

• Internal valve damage: The flush valve seat (where the flapper sits) might be cracked or pitted.
• High water pressure: Sometimes the pressure entering your home is too high for the toilet valve to handle.
• Hidden leaks: There could be a leak between the tank and the bowl gaskets.
• Aging toilets: If the toilet is decades old, multiple components may be failing simultaneously.

At this point, professional inspection often saves time and prevents bigger plumbing issues. Attempting to repair the base of the flush valve often requires removing the entire tank, which can be risky for inexperienced DIYers.

Does a Running Toilet Increase Your Water Bill?

Absolutely. It is easy to underestimate how much water a small leak uses.

A “silent leak”—where water trickles into the bowl without a loud hissing noise—can waste dozens of gallons a day. A noisy, constantly running toilet can waste hundreds. Over the course of a billing cycle, this can result in a significant spike in utility costs.

Beyond the money, there is the environmental impact. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides a drip calculator that illustrates just how quickly water waste adds up. Wasting clean, treated water puts strain on local treatment facilities and resources.

Helpful tip: Check your water bill history. If you see a sudden jump in usage without a change in your habits (like filling a pool or having guests), a running toilet is a prime suspect.

Do I Need a Plumber for a Running Toilet?

Many homeowners hesitate to call a plumber for a toilet issue, thinking it’s too small of a job. However, if basic troubleshooting doesn’t work, calling a professional is the most cost-effective move.

Call a plumber if:

• The toilet keeps running after you have adjusted the chain and float.
• The water level won’t stabilize no matter what you do.
• You notice cracks in the porcelain tank or bowl.
• The parts look heavily corroded or damaged.
• Multiple toilets in the house are showing similar issues (this could indicate a water pressure problem).

At G.A. Eberly Plumbing & Heating, our fully stocked service trucks allow for fast, first-visit solutions. Because every job is supervised by a Master Technician, repairs are done right the first time, ensuring you won’t be calling us back for the same issue next week.

For more information on when plumbing issues require professional help, Bob Vila’s website offers great advice on gauging the severity of the problem.

Photo by Aidan Tottori on Unsplash

When to Call a Plumber in Springfield, VA

Living in the DMV area means dealing with specific regional plumbing quirks, from older historic home piping to hard water mineral content.

If you are in Springfield, Alexandria, or the surrounding areas and your toilet is constantly running day and night, it is time to get expert help. Ignoring it leads to high water bills and potential water damage if the tank overflows.

We have served homeowners, property managers, and businesses in the region for generations. Whether it is a simple repair or a full toilet replacement, we treat your home with the respect it deserves.

• Call now for fast, reliable repairs.
• Your local, family-owned plumber since 1909.
• Get plumbing and heating done right the first time.

Schedule Your Service Today

Trust the Experts to Stop the Flow

A running toilet is common, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. While simple checks like adjusting the chain or cleaning the flapper can sometimes solve the issue, persistent leaks require a professional eye.

By addressing the problem quickly, you save money on your water bill and restore peace and quiet to your home. Whether you manage a rental property, own a business, or are maintaining your family home, you deserve a plumbing partner who values integrity and quality.

Trust the DMV’s plumbing experts for generations—schedule your service today.