How to Fix a Toilet Running Constantly
A toilet that won't stop running is one of the most annoying—and wasteful—problems in your home. The good news? It's usually an easy fix that takes less than an hour and costs just a few dollars. In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly what's causing that constant water flow and how to stop it for good.
Signs You Have This Problem
- Water continuously trickling into the bowl — even when nobody's using the toilet, you hear water running
- Water leaking from the tank into the bowl — you'll see it flowing around the flapper area inside the tank
- Your water bill jumped significantly — a running toilet wastes thousands of gallons per month
- The fill valve won't shut off — water keeps running up through the refill mechanism even when the tank is full
Tools and Parts You'll Need
- Adjustable wrench — $8-12 (or borrow one)
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers — $5-10
- Bucket — $3-5 (or use what you have)
- Flashlight — $5-10
- Replacement flapper kit — $15-25 (universal fit)
- Fill valve replacement kit (optional) — $20-50
- White vinegar — $2-4
Total estimated cost: $25-75 depending on what needs replacing
Step-by-Step Fix
- Turn off the water supply. Look behind or underneath your toilet for a small valve. Turn it clockwise until it stops. You should hear the water stop flowing into the tank. If you can't locate it, head to your basement or water meter and shut off the main supply valve.
- Remove and inspect the tank lid. Carefully lift off the porcelain lid—these break easily—and set it on a soft surface like a towel. Use your flashlight to