How to Fix a Running Toilet

This project is rated as beginner difficulty. Most homeowners with basic tools can complete this project. It typically takes 15-45 minutes to complete.

The estimated cost for materials is $10–$30. This doesn't include tools you may need to purchase. Many of the tools required are common household items you may already own.

You'll need: Towels, Sponge. Optional tools that can make the job easier include: Adjustable wrench.

This project typically takes 15-45 minutes. The actual time depends on your experience level, the specific conditions of your home, and whether you encounter any complications. It's broken into 5 steps for easy tracking.

The most common mistakes include: Not diagnosing the problem first (replacing wrong part). Setting flapper chain too tight (doesn't seal) or too loose (gets caught). Setting water level too high (causes constant running). Following our step-by-step guide will help you avoid these issues.

If the toilet continues running after replacing both flapper and fill valve, if you see cracks in the tank, or if there's water on the floor around the base.

A running toilet typically wastes 200+ gallons per day — that's up to $100/month on your water bill. The cause is almost always a worn flapper, a faulty fill valve, or the float set too high. All three are cheap fixes ($10–$30) that take 15–45 minutes.

A running toilet is one of the simplest plumbing repairs. In most cases, you just need to replace the flapper ($5–$10) or adjust the fill valve. Call a plumber only if the toilet continues running after replacing these parts, which may indicate a cracked overflow tube or warped flush valve seat.