Whether you’re heading out the door for work or turning in for the night, the last thing you want to hear is the sound of running water coming from the bathroom. It’s a quiet but persistent noise that many Newnan, GA homeowners have experienced—a toilet that just won’t stop running. And while it might not seem urgent, a running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day, quietly inflating your utility bills and putting unnecessary strain on your plumbing system.
Newnan, GA residents are no strangers to the challenges of maintaining home plumbing systems in humid conditions and shifting Georgia soil. Local water usage trends show that indoor residential water use accounts for nearly 70% of total household consumption, with toilets using the largest share—about 24%, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That means a single faulty toilet can lead to serious water waste over time.
Fortunately, many causes of a running toilet can be easily diagnosed—and even repaired—by homeowners with a little guidance. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common causes of running toilets, provide simple DIY tips for fixing them, and explain when it’s time to call in the pros at Progressive Heating, Air and Plumbing.
Why a Running Toilet Is a Problem
A constantly running toilet isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a costly issue. Here’s why it matters:
Water Waste: A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day, according to the American Water Works Association.
Higher Bills: That waste translates directly to higher water bills. Even a minor leak can cost hundreds of dollars annually.
Potential for Larger Issues: What starts as a small leak can lead to tank corrosion, floor damage, or issues with your home’s water pressure.
Environmental Impact: Water conservation is increasingly important, especially in areas that experience periodic droughts. Fixing leaks helps contribute to community sustainability.
Understanding How Your Toilet Works
Before diving into DIY fixes, it helps to understand the basic mechanics of your toilet. Here are the three major components involved in the flushing and refilling process:
Flapper Valve: A rubber seal at the bottom of the tank that lifts when you flush and closes when the tank is refilling.
Fill Valve (or Ballcock): Refills the tank with water after a flush and controls water flow into the tank.
Float: A device that rises with the water level and tells the fill valve when to stop.
When one of these components malfunctions, water can continue to run from the tank to the bowl, never allowing the tank to fully refill and shut off.
Common Causes of a Running Toilet
Let’s break down the most frequent culprits behind a running toilet—and how you can troubleshoot them yourself.
1. Worn or Dirty Flapper
Symptoms: The toilet runs intermittently or continuously, even when not flushed.
Why It Happens: The flapper creates a seal to hold water in the tank. Over time, it can become warped, dirty, or brittle, preventing a proper seal.
DIY Fix:
Turn off the water supply behind the toilet.
Flush the toilet to empty the tank.
Remove the flapper and inspect it for damage or buildup.
Clean it or replace it (a new flapper costs around $5 to $10 at any hardware store).
Reattach and test the flush.
Pro Tip: Always bring the old flapper with you to the store to ensure a proper match.
2. Float Set Too High or Too Low
Symptoms: The water level in the tank is too high and spills into the overflow tube, or it’s too low and the tank never fills completely.
Why It Happens: If the float isn’t adjusted correctly, it can affect the shut-off point for the fill valve.
DIY Fix:
For a float ball (older toilets), gently bend the rod down to lower the water level.
For a float cup (newer toilets), use the adjustment screw or clip on the fill valve to change the height.
Aim for a water level about 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube.
3. Faulty Fill Valve
Symptoms: You hear a hissing noise or see water constantly running into the bowl.
Why It Happens: The fill valve controls the water coming into the tank. If it wears out or accumulates debris, it can fail to shut off.
DIY Fix:
Turn off the water supply and flush to empty the tank.
Remove the old fill valve (typically requires an adjustable wrench).
Install a new one, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Turn the water back on and test for leaks.
Did You Know? The average fill valve lasts 5 to 7 years, depending on water quality.
4. Leaky Flush Handle
Symptoms: The toilet runs after every flush or gets “stuck” flushing.
Why It Happens: The flush handle may be too loose or too tight, causing the flapper chain to stay raised.
DIY Fix:
Remove the tank lid and check the handle movement.
Adjust the chain length so there’s a half-inch of slack.
If the handle is corroded or broken, it can be replaced with a basic model from a home improvement store.
5. Cracked Overflow Tube
Symptoms: Constant water flow into the bowl despite correct flapper and fill valve function.
Why It Happens: The overflow tube may have a small crack or be broken at the base, allowing water to escape.
DIY Fix:
Inspect the overflow tube carefully for hairline cracks.
If broken, it may require tank removal to replace the flush valve assembly—a more complex job.
When to Call a Pro: If you’re not comfortable removing the toilet tank or dealing with advanced repairs, Progressive Heating, Air and Plumbing can take care of it quickly and efficiently.
Tools You Might Need
Here’s a basic list of tools that can help you with toilet repairs:
Adjustable wrench
Sponge or towels (for cleanup)
Replacement parts (flapper, fill valve, float, handle)
Bucket (for draining)
Screwdriver
Food coloring (for leak detection)
How to Check for Hidden Leaks
Sometimes, a toilet may appear to be working fine but still wastes water silently. Here’s a simple leak test:
Put a few drops of food coloring into the tank (not the bowl).
Wait 15–20 minutes without flushing.
If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak—most likely from the flapper.
This test is recommended by both the EPA’s WaterSense program and local utilities in Georgia as an effective first step in identifying water waste.
When DIY Isn’t Enough
While many toilet issues are DIY-friendly, there are times when it’s best to bring in a professional. Consider calling a plumber if:
You’ve replaced the flapper, valve, or float and the toilet still runs.
There’s water pooling around the base of the toilet.
You notice signs of corrosion, cracks, or mineral buildup.
You’re unsure of what’s causing the issue.
Professional plumbing service ensures that the problem is diagnosed accurately and fixed properly—the first time. It can also help prevent future problems with your plumbing system that might be lurking below the surface.
Preventing Future Toilet Issues
Taking a few preventive steps can go a long way in keeping your toilet (and wallet) in good shape:
Check components yearly: Flappers, valves, and floats should be inspected at least once per year.
Clean mineral buildup: If you have hard water in Newnan, use vinegar to clean components and prevent scale.
Listen for irregularities: Gurgling, hissing, or phantom flushes are early warnings of trouble.
Install high-efficiency toilets: Modern toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) compared to older models that use 3.5+ GPF. This can save you hundreds of gallons per year.
For Plumbing Services in Newnan, GA, Contact Progressive Heating, Air and Plumbing Today
A running toilet might seem like a minor inconvenience, but over time, it can lead to significant water waste and costly utility bills. Thankfully, many toilet issues can be resolved with a little knowledge and some basic tools. However, if you’ve tried troubleshooting and your toilet still won’t cooperate—or if you’d rather skip the hassle altogether—Progressive Heating, Air and Plumbing is here to help.
Our skilled plumbers have been serving Newnan, GA and surrounding communities with reliable, professional service for years. Whether you need a simple repair or a full toilet replacement, we bring the experience and quality workmanship you can count on.
Don’t let a small leak turn into a big headache. Call Progressive Heating, Air and Plumbing today or schedule your service online. We’re here to keep your plumbing flowing smoothly—so you can focus on what matters most.
