Most homeowners have experienced a toilet that seems to be running for no reason at all. Some toilets can even flush by themselves, a phenomenon known as ghost flushing. This article will help you understand why it happens and what you can do to prevent it from happening again.
Why Toilets Run Between Flushes
Toilets are made up of two parts: The tank and the bowl. The tank holds water and the bowl is washed down the drain when the toilet is flushed. A flapper seal prevents water from entering the bowl when the toilet isn’t being flushed.
The flapper can crack over time or become coated with algae, which prevents it from sealing tightly. When enough water is leaking out of the tank into the bowl, ghost flushing or random running can occur. If the water level is too low, the toilet will flush. The tank will then refill with water and the cycle begins again.
Some toilets can ghost flush regularly. Others toilets only occasionally flush. The severity of the leak will determine how long it takes for ghost flushes to occur.
What You Can Do
If your toilet is leaking, you can repair or replace the tank. Turn off the water supply to your toilet. Then flush the toilet to drain the water.
Algae on the flapper can cause water to leak from your tank to your bowl. To remedy this, remove the flapper from the tank’s bottom and clean off any algae.
If that doesn’t stop it from leaking, make sure the chain in the toilet tank isn’t too long so that it can get trapped under the flapper. Cut the chain if it is too long.
If none of these issues are causing the leak, it might be time to replace the whole toilet tank assembly. You can purchase universal toilet tank pieces at hardware stores and home improvement centers.
Before you begin your project, make sure to read the instructions from the manufacturer before installing the toilet tank assembly. Even if you have replaced parts of your toilet tank in the past, each tank assembly will have different instructions.
Another sign that your toilet is leaking
Ghost flushing is only one sign that your toilet has a problem. Other signs your toilet is leaking include:
- Even though the toilet isn’t flushed, the water in the bowl appears to be moving.
- Toilets can make a hissing sound.
To check if your toilet is leaking, you can put food dye into the tank and wait about 15 to 20 minutes. The water in your toilet bowl will change to the same color as that in the tank if it leaks.
A Reputable Plumber is a good choice
If your toilet tank is empty and your toilet is still leaky, you should call a plumber. A reputable plumber can save you water and help you fix your toilet. Clog Kings LLC can help you with any questions regarding ghost flushing, toilet problems, and more. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or discuss your plumbing problems with an expert.
This post was written by Joey Denick. Joey is the Owner and Operator of Clog Kings. At Clog Kings, LLC, we pride ourselves on our dedication and efficiency. We know you don’t have time to waste. That’s why we work fast to get your home or commercial building back up and running in no time. If you are looking for St.pete Plumbing then look no further because we got you covered!
when obtaining ‘quote from plumbers‘, always make sure to get at least 4-5 quotes to get the best price and quality.
