After flushing a toilet, it keeps running for a few seconds. You might even see it running despite not flushing it. The first thought is, why does my toilet keep running? More on that later. First, know that a running toilet wastes water and can increase your water bill significantly. Given the impending water scarcity situation that each country will ultimately face and which some are already facing, we need to conserve water. Therefore, you need to fix this toilet situation.
Why does my toilet randomly run for a few seconds?
There are several reasons behind it.
Problem 1: Water Dripping into the Toilet Bowl
Plumbers call this phenomenon a phantom flush. Despite the spooky name, there is nothing to worry about, as you will know shortly. You might feel as if the toilet is flushing on its own.
Problem 2: Clogged Toilet
Although not directly related to the flush, we regularly face this problem throughout our lives. Usually, a clogged toilet is because of drainage problems. It is unusual for a flush to cause clogging problems, but we cannot rule out the possibility.
Problem 3: Slow Flush
While pushing the flush button or turning the handle, you notice very weak pressure. Resultantly, you must flush at least 2 times. It is highly frustrating and not at all pleasant.
Problem 4: Water Trickling Into the Tank
If you keep hearing a hissing-like sound when you are in the toilet, it means that water keeps dripping into the tank. From where? The supply line.
Problem 5: Leaky Seals
Most people think that there is only one seal between the tank and the seat. Well, you’re mistaken. 9 times out of 10, a toilet has nearly 5 seals. In other words, there are 5 potential leak points. The seal between the tank and the bowl will cause the most damage in case of a leak. Why? It is the largest.
It concludes the common reasons behind a running flush. Now, let us turn our attention to the main part.
How do you Fix a Toilet That Runs Randomly?
There are various solutions to this problem. All are pretty easy to implement. The only thing that you need to do is adhere to the instructions carefully. After going through the solutions, we can guarantee that you can easily help other people when they ask how do you fix a toilet that runs randomly.
Solution to Problem 1
The primary reason behind the phantom flush is the flapper or the flapper seat. Drain the tank entirely and make sure that the water is cut off. Once drained, proceed to clean the flapper seat. Turn on the water supply and let the tank fill up. Flush the toilet and see if the problem persists. If it does, you need to replace the flapper.
Solution to Problem 2
You can rely on various tools to clear a clogged drain and the right tool depends on the severity of the clog. A force-cup plunger can quickly clear a minor clog. For a more severe clog, opt for the closet auger.
Solution to Problem 3
When you flush, the water comes into the bowl through small holes. If you experience a slow flush, the problem is that the holes are clogged. Take a small wire that you can use to poke the holes. It will help you remove any debris. You can use a coat hanger for this purpose.
Solution to Problem 4
When water keeps trickling into the tank, you need to look at:
- Float
- Refill tube
- Ballcock or Inlet-valve Assembly
First, make sure that the float is in the right place and sticks correctly. If not, you will need to readjust it. If that does not fix the problem, check the refill tube. At times, it goes too deep in the overflow tube. For reference, it should not go more than 1/4″ below the overflow tube. 9 times out of 10, these should fix the problem. If not, you will need to replace the ballcock.
Solution to Problem 5
The solution is obvious. When a seal breaks, what do you do? You replace the seal. The same reasoning applies to toilet seals. When you see that a seal is leaking, you can try fixing it. However, we recommend replacing them to avoid the problem recurring.
Solution 6
With the above mentioned reasons, we hope you’ve got cleared with you question why does my toilet randomly run for a few seconds. If nothing works, it is time to call a professional plumbing service.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dealing with a toilet that randomly runs for a few seconds can be both frustrating and wasteful. However, you can restore efficiency and peace to your bathroom by identifying the potential causes and making the necessary repairs. From checking and replacing faulty valves to adjusting water levels and addressing sediment buildup, taking proactive steps ensures a properly functioning toilet. You don’t need to let those few seconds of running water dampen your bathroom experience — fix the problem and enjoy a smooth toilet again.
