Toilet · triage
Toilet keeps running, or refills on its own
The short answer
Not urgent, but worth fixing this week: a running toilet can waste a lot of water. Most causes are a worn flapper, a tangled chain or a fill valve set too high, all inside the tank.
Easy stopThe small valve on the wall behind the toilet shuts off just that toilet. Turn it clockwise.
Know your shutoffs
Every outcome on this card
This weekThe fill valve is set too high or failing
This week.
- Lower the float Most have an adjustment screw or clip; set the water about an inch below the overflow tube.
- If it still runs, replace the fill valve A common part; or call a plumber.
- Turn the toilet’s valve off meanwhile if it is loud
This weekA leaking flapper
This week.
- Do the dye test A few drops of food coloring in the tank; color in the bowl after 10 minutes means a leak (EPA WaterSense).
- Check the chain isn’t holding the flapper open
- Replace the flapper Take the old one to the store to match it.
Flappers harden and warp; it is the most common toilet leak.
TodayWater on the floor
Close the toilet’s valve; plumber today if it keeps coming.
- Close the shutoff behind the toilet
- Check the supply line and the tank bolts A cracked supply line or tank needs replacing.
- If water seeps from the base, call a plumber The wax seal may have failed.
Related
Written from
Original casaq guidance, updated 2026-10-05. General guidance, not a diagnosis; licensed-pro review pending. Severity levels: Emergency now / Today / This week / This month / Watch. Send a correction.
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