A running toilet is more than just an annoying sound—it can waste thousands of litres of water and add significantly to your water bill. The good news is that most running toilet problems have simple causes and fixes.

Why Your Toilet Won’t Stop Running

1. Faulty Flapper Valve

The most common cause of a running toilet is a worn or damaged flapper valve. This rubber seal at the bottom of the cistern creates a watertight seal after each flush. Over time, it can:

• Become warped or hardened
• Develop mineral buildup
• Crack or tear

DIY check: Add a few drops of food colouring to the cistern. If colour appears in the bowl without flushing, your flapper is leaking.

2. Float Problems

The float controls the water level in your cistern. If it’s set too high or malfunctioning, water continuously flows into the overflow tube.

Signs of float issues:

• Water constantly trickling into the bowl
• Water level in cistern is above the overflow tube
• Float is cracked or waterlogged

3. Fill Valve Issues

The fill valve controls water flowing into the cistern after a flush. A faulty fill valve may:

• Not shut off completely
• Make whistling or humming sounds
• Take too long to refill

4. Overflow Tube Problems

If the overflow tube is cracked or positioned incorrectly, it can cause continuous running.

When to DIY vs Call a Plumber

You Can Handle It If:

• It’s a simple flapper replacement
• The float just needs adjusting
• You’re comfortable with basic tools

Call a Professional When:

• The problem persists after basic fixes
• You notice leaks around the base
• The toilet is very old (may need replacement)
• You’re not confident with plumbing repairs

Cost of Ignoring a Running Toilet

A constantly running toilet can waste:

• Up to 200 litres per day
• Over 70,000 litres per year
• A significant increase in your annual water bill

Our Toilet Repair Services

Hankook Plumbing provides fast, reliable toilet repairs across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs:

• Same-day service for urgent repairs
• All parts carried on our van
• Upfront pricing with no surprises
• Licensed and insured work

Need Help?

If your toilet won’t stop running or you need any toilet repairs, give us a call. We’ll diagnose the problem quickly and fix it right the first time.

Call 0407 756 172 for a free quote.