My Toilet is Running Constantly – How to Fix It and Save Water

That annoying sound of water constantly running in your toilet isn't just irritating—it's costing you money and wasting precious water. A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons (about 750 litres) per day, which adds up quickly on your water bill and isn't great for our environment either.

The good news? Most running toilet problems are surprisingly easy to fix yourself, even if you're not particularly handy. Let's walk through the common causes and how to tackle them.

The Usual Suspects: What's Making Your Toilet Run

Most running toilet issues come down to a few simple components that have worn out or need adjusting:

• Faulty Flapper Valve - This rubber seal at the bottom of your tank is the most common culprit. If it's warped, worn, or not sealing properly, water leaks into the bowl and the tank keeps refilling
• Chain Problems - The chain connecting your flush handle to the flapper can be too short (keeping the flapper open) or too long/tangled (preventing proper sealing)
• Fill Valve Issues - If the fill valve that controls water entering the tank is faulty or sticking open, water will continually flow
• Float Adjustment - If the float is set too high, water overflows into the overflow tube, making the tank keep refilling

DIY Fixes You Can Handle

Before you call a plumber, try these simple fixes that most homeowners can manage:

Start with the food colouring test: Add a few drops of food colouring to your toilet tank. If colour appears in the bowl without flushing within 15-20 minutes, you've confirmed a leak.

For flapper issues: Turn off the water supply (the valve is usually behind the toilet), flush to empty the tank, and inspect the flapper. Look for cracks, warping, or mineral buildup. Replacement flappers cost around $10-20 at your local hardware store and are easy to install.

Chain adjustment: Make sure the chain has about 1-2 cm of slack when the flapper is closed. It shouldn't be so tight that it holds the flapper open, or so loose that it gets tangled.

Float adjustment: Lower the float so the water level sits about 1-2 cm below the overflow tube. Most modern toilets have an adjustment screw or clip you can easily move.

When to Call a Professional

If you've tried the basic fixes and your toilet is still running, or if you're not comfortable working with plumbing, it's time to call a licensed plumber. Professional toilet repairs in Australia typically cost between $60-200, depending on the complexity.

A plumber can also identify if there are more serious issues like problems with the flush valve seat or hidden leaks that might need professional attention.

Water-Saving Tips for Australian Homes

Fixing a running toilet is one of the easiest ways to save water in your home. Here are some additional water conservation tips:

• Install dual-flush toilets - These allow you to choose a low-volume flush for liquid waste
• Reduce cistern volume - Place a weighted plastic bottle filled with water and pebbles in your cistern to displace water
• Only flush when necessary - Don't use your toilet as a bin for tissues or other waste
• Consider WELS-certified toilets - These water-efficient models use far less water per flush

Final Takeaway

A running toilet is more than just an annoyance—it's a drain on your wallet and our precious water resources. Most issues can be fixed with simple DIY adjustments that take less than 30 minutes. By tackling this common household problem, you'll not only enjoy the peace and quiet but also contribute to better water conservation in our often drought-prone Australian climate.