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IN OCEANSIDE, CA, RUNNING TOILETS ARE A COMMON PLUMBING PROBLEM

September 22, 2024

Are you experiencing the nuisance of a running toilet? In Oceanside, running toilets are a common plumbing problem. The good news is that most homeowners can repair a running toilet without having to call a plumber.

A “running” toilet is a situation where water continuously flows from the tank into the toilet bowl. A running toilet is usually the result of a damaged component. While not a plumbing emergency, a running toilet wastes water, increasing your utility bills.

COMMON CAUSES OF RUNNING TOILETS IN OCEANSIDE AND HOW TO FIX THEM

Here are some of the most common causes of running toilets in Oceanside and how to fix them:

FAULTY FLAPPER VALVE

The flapper is a rubber valve at the bottom of the toilet tank that lifts when you flush, allowing water to flow into the bowl. If the flapper is damaged and not sealing properly, the water will continuously leak into the bowl.

Replacing it is a simple fix. Turn off the water supply, drain the tank, and install a new flapper according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If the flush handle is loose or sticking, it can prevent the flapper from sealing properly. Tighten or replace the handle if necessary.

FLOAT ISSUES

The float is the device that controls the water level in the tank. If the float is set too high, it will cause the tank to overfill and the excess water will spill into the overflow tube; too low and the flush may be weak. A malfunctioning float valve could also cause continuous running.

Adjust the float so that the water level is about 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube. For a ball float, this can be done by bending the metal arm. For a cup float, adjust the height by using the screw on top of the fill valve.

LEAKY FILL VALVE

The fill valve controls the water flow into the tank after a flush. If it’s not functioning properly or has a leak, water may continue to flow, leading to a running toilet.

Turn off the water supply, flush the toilet to empty the tank, and remove the fill valve. Install a new one and adjust it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

FAULTY OR MISALIGNED CHAIN

The chain connecting the flapper to the flush lever can break, get tangled, or be too long or short, preventing the flapper from sealing properly. This can cause the toilet to run continuously.

The chain should have just enough slack to allow the flapper to fully seal when the handle is released. Adjust the chain length or replace it if necessary.

OCEANSIDE, CA RUNNING TOILET REPAIRS

By identifying the specific issue and applying one of these repairs, almost anyone fixes a running toilet without needing to call a plumber. However, If the problem persists, there may be a more significant issue and professional help might be needed.

Running toilets in Oceanside can drive your water bills through the roof; the sooner you fix the problem the more money you’ll save. 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration has been providing affordable toilet repairs in Oceanside and surrounding communities since 2012. Our team of Oceanside plumbers can fix any toilet problem. If it’s time for a new toilet, we can remove the old one and install the new one.

Call us at 866-437-0205 for more information about toilet repairs in Oceanside, CA.