A running toilet is more than an annoying sound — it’s wasting 200 gallons of water per day and adding $50–$100 to your monthly water bill. If you can hear water trickling or running in the toilet tank after the flush cycle ends, something is wrong. Davis Plumbing and Heating Inc. repairs running toilets throughout Riverside County quickly and affordably.

The 3 Most Common Causes of a Running Toilet

1. A Worn Flapper

The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the toilet tank. When you flush, it lifts to let water into the bowl, then drops back to seal the tank. Over time (especially in areas with hard water like Riverside County), the flapper hardens, warps, or corrodes and no longer seals properly. Water slowly leaks past it continuously. This is the most common cause — and cheapest to fix. A new flapper costs $5–$10 at any hardware store.

2. A Faulty Fill Valve

The fill valve controls how water refills the tank after a flush. If it’s worn or misadjusted, it may not shut off properly and water overflows into the overflow tube (that tall tube in the center of the tank) and drains continuously. You’ll hear a steady trickle of water even when the tank appears to be full.

3. A Float That’s Set Too High

The float (a ball or a cup on the fill valve shaft) tells the fill valve when the water level is high enough to stop. If the float is positioned too high, the tank overfills before the valve shuts off. This is often an easy DIY fix — just bend the float arm down slightly (on older ball-float designs) or adjust the float collar on newer fill valves.

How to Check If Your Toilet Is Running (Even if You Can’t Hear It)

Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. Wait 15 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leaking flapper. This simple test can reveal silent leaks you’d otherwise miss on your water bill.

When to Call a Plumber for Your Toilet

If you’ve replaced the flapper and fill valve and the toilet is still running, or if you notice water at the base of the toilet (indicating a wax ring seal failure), it’s time to call a professional. Davis Plumbing can diagnose the problem, repair or replace the internal components, and ensure your toilet operates efficiently and without leaks.

Toilet Repair and Replacement in Riverside County

Davis Plumbing and Heating serves Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Sun City, Perris, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, San Jacinto, and all of Riverside County. Call (951) 657-0393 to schedule toilet repair service today. Or request service online and we’ll be in touch promptly.