Why Your Toilet Keeps Running (And How to Stop It)

May 2

Is your toilet making that constant running sound long after you’ve flushed? It’s not just annoying—it’s also a waste of water and money. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a day, and if left alone, it might be a sign of a bigger plumbing issue down the line.

At Marv’s Plumbing & Heating, we get this call all the time from Cheyenne homeowners. Fortunately, the most common causes are easy to fix once you know what to look for. Here’s a breakdown of why your toilet keeps running—and how to stop it.

🚽 1. The Flapper Isn’t Sealing Properly

The flapper is a rubber piece at the bottom of the tank that lifts when you flush and then seals shut to refill the tank. Over time, it can become worn, warped, or dirty, causing it not to seal properly. If water is slowly leaking through the flapper into the bowl, your toilet will keep trying to refill the tank.

How to fix it:

Turn off the water supply behind the toilet.
Flush to empty the tank.
Check the flapper for damage or buildup.
If it looks worn out, replace it—it’s a cheap and easy fix.

🌊 2. The Chain Is Too Short or Too Long

The flapper is connected to the flush handle by a chain. If the chain is too short, it might hold the flapper open slightly. If it’s too long, it could get caught under the flapper after a flush.

How to fix it:

Open the tank and inspect the chain.
Adjust the length so it has a little slack—but not too much.
Make sure it moves freely when you flush.

💧 3. The Float Is Set Too High

The float controls the water level in the tank. If it's set too high, the tank will overfill and the overflow tube will drain the extra water—leading to constant refilling.

How to fix it:

Locate the float (it might be a ball or a cylinder).
Gently lower it by adjusting the float arm or turning the adjustment screw.
The water level should be about 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube.

🧰 4. The Fill Valve Is Malfunctioning

The fill valve controls water coming into the tank. If it's old or faulty, it might keep letting water in—even when the tank is full.

How to fix it:

Turn off the water supply.
Flush the toilet and watch the fill valve.
If water continues to trickle in, the valve may need to be cleaned or replaced.

💵 5. It’s Costing You More Than You Think

Even a small trickle of water can add up fast. A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons per day—that’s over 6,000 gallons per month! If you’ve noticed a spike in your water bill and can’t figure out why, your toilet could be the culprit.

🛠️ Still Not Sure? We Can Help.

If you’ve tried the quick fixes and your toilet’s still running, it might be time to call in a pro. Sometimes internal parts need more than an adjustment—they need expert repair or full replacement.

At Marv’s Plumbing & Heating, we’ve been fixing plumbing problems for Cheyenne homeowners for decades. Whether it’s a quick flapper swap or a deeper issue with your toilet or water lines, we’ll get it sorted—fast, clean, and done right.

🚽 Don’t Ignore That Running Toilet

A constantly running toilet isn’t just irritating—it’s literally flushing money down the drain. Most problems are simple to diagnose and easy to fix. So take a few minutes to check it out—or give us a call if you’d rather let the pros handle it.

For fast, reliable plumbing repair in Cheyenne, trust the team at Marv’s Plumbing & Heating. We’re here to help, 24/7.