What to Do When Your Toilet Won't Stop Running in Montreal

Emergency Plumbing Repair

Running toilet

General Plumbing Repair

A running toilet usually means water keeps flowing inside the tank after flushing. This wastes water and increases your bill.

Here are the 4 most common causes and fixes:

1️⃣ Worn or Misaligned Flapper (Most Common)

Problem: The rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank doesn’t seal properly.

Fix:

• Turn off water supply (valve behind toilet).

• Flush to empty tank.

• Remove old flapper.

• Install new universal flapper ($10–15).

• Make sure chain has slight slack (not tight).

2️⃣ Fill Valve / Ballcock Issue

Problem: Water keeps rising and going into the overflow tube.

Fix:

• Check float level.

• Adjust screw on top of fill valve.

• Lower float so water stops 1 inch below overflow tube.

• If still running → replace fill valve ($20–25).

3️⃣ Chain Too Tight or Too Loose

Problem: Chain holds flapper slightly open.

Fix:

• Adjust chain length.

• Leave about 1/2 inch slack.

4️⃣ Overflow Tube Too Low

Problem: Water level too high → constant overflow.

Fix:

• Adjust float down.

• If tube cracked → replace flush valve assembly.

🛠 Quick LEDV Pro Tip

If your toilet:

• Randomly refills every 10–20 minutes → flapper leak.

• Makes constant hissing sound → fill valve issue.

• Runs only after flushing → chain adjustment.