Do I need a plumber to fix a running toilet?

More often than not, the flapper valve could need adjustment, or you may need to replace the toilet fill valve. Both are relatively small fixes that most homeowners can usually handle without calling in a professional plumber or having to remove the toilet and then having to install a new one.

Should I call a plumber for a running toilet?

Thankfully, a running toilet is not an emergency. Even if the toilet that is running is clogged, and so water is overflowing the bowl or basin, you can just turn off the water to the toilet with the valve on the supply line. All you need to do then is wait for the plumber's regular business hours.

Can a plumber fix a running toilet?

Irregular Running Water

Check that your toilet tank ball falls onto your valve seal. If it lands off-center or doesn't connect at all, you need to replace the valve. To fix this problem, a plumber will need to remove the defective tank ball and then put the new valve in place.

How much does it cost to fix a toilet that keeps running?

A toilet that won't stop running is another common problem. You can expect to pay between $50 and $400 to repair a running water issue. If there is too much water in your tank, it will be a quick, easy fix and may be possible to do at home.

What do I need to replace if my toilet keeps running?

To fix a running toilet, you'll need to replace the flapper. Before you do that, though, it's a good idea to check the other parts of the toilet to make sure they're not the problem. First, check the water level in the tank. If it's too low, the toilet will run.

How to fix a running toilet. The two most common causes.

What is the most common problem that occurs when the toilet won't stop running?

No need to worry, a running toilet is usually a simple fix. The three most common causes are a broken or dirty flapper, too long or too short of a chain between the flush lever and the flapper or a float that is out of position.

Will a running toilet eventually stop?

Will a running toilet stop eventually? As fresh water enters the tank, a mechanism eventually shuts off the water flow and the toilet will stop running. However, when things go wrong with the valve, flapper or overflow then it's best to get it sorted.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a toilet?

Repairing and replacing fill valves, handles, and flappers may seem like small repairs, but they can signal larger issues in the future. Since the average price to repair a toilet is around $240 and the cost to replace one ranges from $224 to $532, multiple repairs can cost more than a new toilet.

Why does my toilet sound like it's constantly running?

Running noises when no one flushes could mean a variety of things: The valve in the tank allows water to escape into the bowl. The flapper chain in the tank is too tight and prevents the valve from shutting all the way. The float in the toilet tank is set to a high mark, causing the toilet to run constantly.

Is a running toilet serious?

Leaking toilets are more than just an annoyance—they waste water which leads to higher water bills. The next time you hear the unmistakable sound of a running toilet, it's a sign of a leak in need of immediate repair.

Is a running toilet a problem?

As one of the most common plumbing issues, a running toilet can also be one of the most costly—when left untreated. If you hear a toilet running, that means it's using water, and a constant flow of water can lead to sky-high water bills.

Should I call a plumber or do it myself?

Attempting to do the job yourself may make the situation worse or even put you in danger. Professional plumbers have the training, equipment, and experience that you don't have in case of more complicated issues. Thus it is unwise to forego their expertise.

What is the most common cause of a running toilet?

The Flapper Is Leaking and Needs Replacing

Perhaps the most common reason for a running toilet is an old flapper that needs to be replaced. When flappers get old, they don't seal the way they should, and this allows water to pass constantly from the toilet tank into the bowl.

Why is toilet running every few minutes?

A toilet that cuts on and off by itself, or runs intermittently, has a problem that plumbers call a "phantom flush." The cause is a very slow leak from the tank into the bowl. This problem is almost certainly caused by a bad flapper or flapper seat.

Why does my toilet make a running noise every few minutes?

This sound can happen intermittently and occur every few minutes or every few hours. Such a refill sound is usually alerting you that your toilet is losing water, either internally (if there's no water on the floor or exterior of toilet) or externally leaking if you see water outside the toilet.

How do I know if my toilet flapper is bad?

You may need a new flapper if:

Your toilet bowl is running (if you have to jiggle the handle to make it stop, your flapper is probably bad) You touch the flapper, and it starts to fall apart or rub off. The eyelet hole (where the chain hooks into the flapper) is torn.

How much does Home Depot charge for installing a toilet?

Labor costs

A standard toilet will cost you an average of around $348. The basic installation will cost you about $115.

What is the average cost to reset a toilet?

Fixing a toilet bowl costs approximately $100 to $300, including labor and materials. If you have some basic DIY skills, you could use epoxy resin to fix minor cracks in the bowl, saving you the cost of hiring a handyperson. For more significant damage, you'll need to hire a pro.

How much does a plumber charge to replace a toilet fill valve?

According to Fixr, the average toilet valve repair cost is between $75 and $200 to replace a flush valve or up to $400 to fix a constantly running toilet. This includes the cost of the plumber's time for the toilet repair and the cost of the toilet parts.

Should I be worried about a running toilet?

Like a slowly dripping faucet, a running toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water each day. Worse yet, the issue is, more often than not, indicative of a much larger problem. If your toilet keeps running or is overflowing, contact a plumbing company immediately and schedule running toilet repair services.

Why does my toilet keep running water after flushing?

When the water level in your toilet is too high, the residual water will keep draining into the overflow tube. This causes the toilet to keep running after a flush, potentially instigating water damage in the long run. To correct the water level, you will need to lower the toilet float.

What do most plumbers charge per hour?

Plumbers usually charge for their work by the hour, and the national average cost is about $100 per hour plus a service fee or minimum charge. Overall, hourly rates for plumbing can range from $25 to $200, depending on the experience level of the plumber and on the repair needed.

Do plumbers do free quotes?

Most professional plumbers offer clients a free estimate, which means they will come to your house, look at the job, and quote you an estimated cost. Don't let a plumber give you a price over the phone without looking at the repair first, because any estimate given this way will most likely be inaccurate.

What to do before you call a plumber?

Before a plumber comes out, take the time to turn off the water at the water supply or turn off the main water shutoff valve. Doing this will prevent further damage to your home and possessions. It's also helpful to have everything cleared out of the way so the professional can get the right to the problem.

How much can a running toilet cost a month?

A large leak that is commonly found in toilets can cost you 200 gallons or more per day. This means that a standard leaky toilet wastes about 8 cubic feet per month – the same amount of usage for a single-family home, or about $70.