Is your toilet keeps running long after you’ve flushed? You’re not alone. A constantly running toilet is one of the most common plumbing problems London homeowners face, and it’s costing you money every day. According to water conservation experts, a running toilet can waste up to 200 litres of water daily—that’s over £300 added to your annual water bill.
The good news? Most running toilet issues can be diagnosed and fixed with basic tools and a bit of know-how. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to stop a toilet from running and when it’s time to call in the professionals.
Why Your Toilet Keeps Running: The Most Common Causes
Understanding why your toilet won’t stop running is the first step to fixing it. Here are the main culprits:
Faulty Flapper Valve: The rubber flapper at the bottom of your cistern creates a seal to stop water flowing into the bowl. When it warps, cracks, or doesn’t sit properly, water continuously leaks through, causing your toilet to keep running.
Float Adjustment Issues: Your toilet’s float controls the water level in the cistern. If it’s set too high, water spills into the overflow pipe, making your toilet run constantly.
Chain Problems: The chain connecting your flush handle to the flapper can become tangled, too long, or too short, preventing proper sealing.
Fill Valve Malfunction: A worn fill valve may not shut off properly, allowing water to keep flowing even when the cistern is full.
Warped Flush Valve Seat: Mineral deposits or damage around the flush valve seat can prevent the flapper from sealing completely.
How to Fix a Running Toilet: Step-by-Step Guide
Before you start, turn off the water supply to your toilet using the isolation valve (usually located behind or beside the toilet). Then flush to empty the cistern.
Step 1: Check the Flapper
Remove the cistern lid and examine the rubber flapper at the bottom. If you notice cracks, warping, or mineral buildup:
- Unhook the chain from the flush lever
- Remove the old flapper by lifting it off the mounting ears
- Take the old flapper to your local hardware shop to ensure you buy the correct replacement
- Install the new flapper, ensuring it sits flush against the valve seat
- Reconnect the chain with about half an inch of slack
Step 2: Adjust the Chain Length
The chain connecting your flush handle to the flapper needs the right tension:
- Too long: The flapper won’t lift fully when you flush
- Too short: The flapper can’t seal properly, causing continuous running
Adjust the chain so there’s approximately 1cm of slack when the flapper is closed.
Step 3: Check and Adjust the Float
If your toilet has a ball float (older style):
- Gently bend the metal arm downward to lower the water level
- The water should stop about 2.5cm below the cistern rim
For cup floats (newer style):
- Pinch the adjustment clip and slide the float down the fill valve rod
- Test flush and adjust until water stops at the correct level
Step 4: Replace a Faulty Fill Valve
If adjusting the float doesn’t solve your running toilet, the fill valve itself may need replacing:
- Turn off water supply and flush the toilet
- Disconnect the water supply line from the bottom of the fill valve
- Unscrew the locking nut holding the fill valve in place
- Remove the old valve and install the new one
- Reconnect the water supply and test
Step 5: Clean the Flush Valve Seat
Mineral deposits can prevent proper sealing:
- Turn off water and empty the cistern
- Clean around the flush valve seat with a pumice stone or fine sandpaper
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth
- Replace the flapper if cleaning doesn’t solve the issue
When to Call a Professional Plumber
While many running toilet problems are DIY-friendly, some situations require professional attention:
- Multiple failed attempts: If you’ve tried these fixes but your toilet keeps running
- Complex cistern systems: Some modern or designer toilets have complex mechanisms
- Structural issues: Cracks in the cistern or mounting problems
- Water pressure issues: Problems that may indicate broader plumbing concerns
- Time constraints: When you need the problem fixed immediately
For urgent toilet repairs, Pippo Plumbers offers emergency plumber services across London with rapid response times.
Preventing Future Running Toilet Problems
Regular maintenance is key to preventing your toilet from running constantly:
- Monthly checks: Lift the cistern lid and check all components
- Annual replacement: Replace flappers and chains yearly as preventive maintenance
- Water quality: If you have hard water, consider installing a water softener
- Gentle flushing: Don’t hold the handle down too long—this can stretch the chain
Signs Your Running Toilet Needs Professional Attention
Contact a professional plumber if you notice:
- Water pooling around the toilet base (leak repair may be needed)
- Weak flush performance alongside running water
- Strange noises or vibrations from the cistern
- Discoloured or contaminated water
- Multiple toilet problems occurring simultaneously
Other Common Toilet Problems to Watch For
While this guide focuses on running toilets, keep an eye out for these related issues:
- Blocked toilets: Requiring professional intervention
- Weak flushing: Often connected to running toilet problems
- Base leaks: These need immediate professional toilet repairs
- Frequent clogging: May indicate deeper drainage issues
The Cost of Ignoring a Running Toilet
A toilet that keeps running isn’t just annoying—it’s expensive:
- Water waste: Up to 200 litres daily
- Increased bills: £300+ annually in wasted water
- Component damage: Constant running can damage other toilet parts
- Environmental impact: Unnecessary water consumption
Professional Toilet Repair Services in London
When DIY solutions aren’t enough, Pippo Plumbers provides comprehensive toilet repair services across London. Our qualified plumbers can:
- Diagnose complex running toilet issues quickly
- Replace worn components with high-quality parts
- Identify underlying problems you might miss
- Provide guarantees on all repair work
We also handle related plumbing issues including tap repairs, shower repairs, and water mains repairs throughout Greater London.
Conclusion
A toilet that keeps running is more than just a minor inconvenience—it’s costing you money and wasting precious water. Most running toilet problems can be fixed with basic tools and these step-by-step instructions.
Start with the simplest solutions: check your flapper, adjust the chain, and correct the float position. These fixes solve 90% of running toilet issues. However, don’t hesitate to call a professional if you’re uncomfortable with any repair or if problems persist.
Remember, investing in proper toilet maintenance today can save you hundreds of pounds in water bills and prevent costly emergency repairs tomorrow.
Need help with your running toilet? Contact Pippo Plumbers today for expert advice and professional toilet repair services across London.
