Toilets constantly running is one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners deal with in Montgomery, Alabama. While it might seem like a small annoyance, a running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day, drive up your utility seemingly out of nowhere, and signal bigger plumbing problems if left unchecked.
In this guide, we’ll explain why your toilet keeps running, the most common symptoms and causes, what you can safely fix yourself, and when it’s time to call a local handyman for professional plumbing repairs.
Looking for Something in Particular?
- Why You Don’t Want To Let Your Toilet Run Constantly
- How to Tell If Your Toilet Is Constantly Running
- Why Toilets Constantly Run (Root Causes)
- DIY Fixes You Can Try First
- When DIY Isn’t Enough
- When to Call a Handyman for Plumbing Repairs
- Get Professional Plumbing Repairs in Montgomery with Buffalo Duck
Why You Don’t Want To Let Your Toilet Run Constantly
In Montgomery’s warm climate, water usage adds up fast. A constantly running toilet can waste thousands of gallons per month, tacking on hundreds to your water bill out of left field. Older homes in the Montgomery area often have aging plumbing systems, making professional repairs even more important to prevent recurring issues.
How to Tell If Your Toilet Is Constantly Running
Sometimes the problem is obvious, other times it’s subtle (which is why you might be surprised with a higher water bill). Here are the most common signs that you might be overlooking:
- You still hear water refilling the tank several minutes after flushing
- A hissing or trickling sound comes from the toilet
- The toilet randomly refills on its own
- Your water bill suddenly increases
- The handle feels loose or doesn’t reset properly
If any of these sound familiar, your toilet is likely running continuously and wasting water.
If the problem is severe, call us for an emergency repair.
Why Your Toilet is Constantly Running (Root Causes)
A running toilet usually comes down to worn out, old, or misaligned parts inside the tank. Here are the most common culprits we see in Montgomery homes:
1. Worn-Out Flapper
The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. Over time, it can crack, warp, or lose flexibility, allowing water to leak into the bowl nonstop.
2. Faulty Fill Valve
If the fill valve doesn’t shut off properly, the tank keeps refilling even when it’s already full.
3. Improper Water Level
If the water level is set too high, excess water flows directly into the overflow tube, causing constant refilling.
4. Loose or Stuck Handle
A handle that doesn’t return to its resting position can keep the flapper slightly open, leading to continuous water flow.
5. Old or Mismatched Parts
In older toilets, parts may no longer fit correctly or function efficiently, especially if piecemeal repairs were done in the past.
DIY Fixes You Can Try First
If you’re comfortable doing light maintenance, there are a few things you can safely check before calling a handyman.
Quick DIY Checks
- Remove the tank lid and inspect the flapper for damage
- Adjust the chain so it’s not too tight or too loose
- Lower the water level by adjusting the float
- Make sure the handle moves freely and resets properly
In some cases, replacing a flapper or adjusting the float can solve the issue in under an hour.
When DIY Isn’t Enough
While minor fixes work for simple problems, DIY solutions can only be a band-aid solution when:
- The toilet keeps running after replacing parts
- Multiple components are failing at once
- Parts are corroded or difficult to access
- The toilet is older and inefficient
- You’re not sure which component is actually causing the problem
At that point, continuing to tinker can lead to leaks, water damage, or even a cracked tank. At the very worst, you make the plumbing worse than it already is, leading to an emergency repair.
But if you don’t want to do any DIY…
When to Call a Handyman for Plumbing Repairs
You should call a professional if:
- The toilet is constantly running despite DIY attempts
- Water is leaking onto the floor
- You’re replacing parts repeatedly yet it doesn’t solve anything
- You want a long-term fix, without moving
A qualified handyman can quickly diagnose the issue, replace failing components properly, and ensure everything is adjusted correctly to save you time, frustration, and money in the long run.
Get Professional Plumbing Repairs in Montgomery with Buffalo Duck
Now that you know what signs to look for, the causes of your toilet constantly running, and how to fix it, your toilet can now be saved. If you’d rather not DIY your plumbing repairs, here’s how we can help.
Our team handles:
- Toilet repairs and part replacements
- Diagnosing hidden plumbing issues and repairing them
- Preventative maintenance for bathrooms
- Reliable handyman plumbing repairs in Montgomery, Alabama
We focus on fixing the problem correctly the first time, so you don’t have to keep dealing with the same issue.
👉 Contact Buffalo Duck today to schedule plumbing repairs in Montgomery, Birmingham, and Huntsville and get your bathroom back to working the way it should.