A toilet that won’t stop running is more than an annoyance—it wastes water, increases your utility bill, and can signal worn parts that need attention. In coastal Long Beach, hard water and mineral buildup can make these issues more common. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to diagnose and fix the problem, plus when to call A1 Best Plumbing—your trusted Long Beach Plumbing experts—for fast, professional help.
Quick Take: Why Toilets Run (and Why It Matters)
- Most running toilets come down to three culprits: a leaky flapper, a misadjusted float/fill valve, or a refill tube that’s positioned wrong.
- A constantly running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons per day, quickly inflating your water bill and straining Long Beach’s water resources.
- Simple fixes often take 10–30 minutes and require basic tools. When parts are cracked or corroded, replacement is usually inexpensive.
- If you’re short on time or prefer a guaranteed fix, our Long Beach Plumbing experts at A1 Best Plumbing can handle it the same day.
Safety and Tools Checklist
- Turn off water at the shutoff valve (clockwise) if needed.
- Have a towel or sponge handy for drips.
- Tools: adjustable wrench, pliers, scissors, white vinegar, a soft brush, and a universal toilet repair kit (flapper, fill valve) if parts look worn.
- Pro tip from our Long Beach Plumbing experts: Take a photo of your toilet tank’s internals before disassembly so you can match part types and reassemble confidently.
Step-by-Step: Fix a Running Toilet
- Check the Water Level
- Remove the tank lid and observe. The water should sit about an inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- If water is spilling into the overflow tube, the float is set too high or the fill valve is failing.
- Adjust the float:
- Float-cup style: turn the adjustment screw on top of the fill valve clockwise to lower the water level.
- Ball float: gently bend the metal rod downward to lower the shutoff point.
- If the water level won’t adjust or continues to creep up, the fill valve may be worn. Replacement is often the fastest fix.
- Inspect and Test the Flapper
- The flapper (rubber seal at the bottom) should sit flat and create a tight seal. Mineral buildup, warping, or slack in the chain can cause leaks.
- Perform a dye test: add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait 10–15 minutes without flushing. Color in the bowl means the flapper is leaking.
- Clean the flapper and the flush valve seat with a soft brush. If the flapper is brittle, warped, or coated with residue, replace it.
- Adjust the chain so there’s about 1/4 inch of slack—too tight and the flapper can’t seal; too loose and it may not lift fully.
- Position the Refill Tube Correctly
- The thin refill tube should clip to the top of the overflow tube, not inserted down into it. If it’s inside the tube, it can create a siphon that keeps the tank running.
- Trim the tube if it’s too long and re-clip it so it sits above the opening.
- Service or Replace the Fill Valve
- Sediment from Long Beach’s water can clog the fill valve. Try this quick service:
- Turn off the water supply and flush to empty the tank.
- Remove the fill valve cap (consult the brand’s instructions).
- Hold a cup over the valve and briefly turn water on to flush debris.
- Reassemble, turn water on, and readjust the water level.
- If the valve hisses, sticks, or won’t hold a set level, install a new universal fill valve. They’re inexpensive and come with clear instructions. Our Long Beach Plumbing experts can swap this part in minutes if you prefer a pro touch.
- Evaluate the Flush Valve Seat and Gasket
- If a new flapper still leaks dye into the bowl, the flush valve seat (the ring the flapper seals against) may be pitted or cracked.
- Light mineral deposits can be gently cleaned; damage often requires replacing the flush valve assembly, which involves removing the tank. This is a good point to call A1 Best Plumbing for a clean, warranty-backed repair.
- Turn Water Back On and Fine-Tune
- Restore the water supply and let the tank fill.
- Verify: water level below overflow, no hissing, no ripples across the tank surface, and no dye leakage into the bowl.
- Flush several times to confirm consistent operation.
When to Call A1 Best Plumbing (Long Beach Plumbing Experts)
- You’ve replaced the flapper and adjusted the float, but the toilet still runs.
- The shutoff valve or supply line is corroded or won’t turn—forcing it can cause leaks.
- The tank hardware is cracked (fill valve body, flush valve seat, tank bolts, or gasket).
- You hear intermittent “ghost filling,” which often indicates a slow leak that dye tests haven’t revealed.
- You have multiple toilets with issues—we can update all internals for reliability and water savings in one visit.
Our Long Beach Plumbing experts at A1 Best Plumbing arrive with quality parts on hand, diagnose quickly, and provide upfront pricing. We can also assess water pressure and install updated, water-efficient components that comply with California standards.
Prevention Tips to Keep Your Toilet Running Right
- Use quality parts. Cheap flappers degrade faster in chlorinated or hard water. Choose chlorine-resistant, brand-matched or high-quality universal parts.
- Clean mineral buildup quarterly. A vinegar wipe-down of the flapper seat and gentle brushing of the fill valve screen keeps things sealing and filling properly.
- Mind in-tank tablets. Blue chlorine tablets can degrade rubber. If you use them, expect more frequent flapper replacements.
- Check water pressure. High pressure accelerates wear. Our Long Beach Plumbing experts can test and, if needed, install or adjust a pressure regulator.
- Listen for changes. Intermittent refills, faint hissing, or longer fill times are early warning signs—address them before your bill spikes.
FAQs: Running Toilet Basics
- Why does my toilet run randomly at night?
Usually a slow flapper leak. As the tank level drops slightly, the fill valve kicks on for a moment. Replace the flapper and check the seat.
- How much water can a running toilet waste?
Hundreds of gallons per day in some cases—often the largest hidden water loss in a home.
- Should I replace or repair?
Start with low-cost parts (flapper, then fill valve). If multiple parts are failing or the tank hardware is cracked, repair kits or professional service from our Long Beach Plumbing experts is best.
- Can hard water in Long Beach cause this?
Yes. Mineral deposits can prevent tight seals and clog valve internals. Regular maintenance and quality parts help.
Why Choose A1 Best Plumbing
- Local, fast response: We serve Long Beach neighborhoods daily and understand common fixture brands and water conditions here.
- Efficient, cost-saving solutions: From simple flapper swaps to full internal rebuilds, we match the fix to your needs and budget.
- Upfront pricing and clear communication: You’ll know what we’re doing and why, before we start.
- Water-saving upgrades: We recommend adjustments that reduce waste without sacrificing performance.
Stop the Running—Save Water and Money Today
A running toilet is a simple fix when you know where to look. If you’d rather skip the trial and error, A1 Best Plumbing’s Long Beach Plumbing experts can diagnose and repair the issue quickly—often in a single visit—so you can save water, lower your bill, and get back to your day. Contact A1 Best Plumbing for prompt, professional service you can trust.