Toilet Repair

Toilet Running Constantly? Here Is Why It Happens and How to Fix It

2026-10-06·Alexandria, VA·By Peregrina Plumbing

The Three Most Common Causes

A worn flapper that no longer seals, a faulty fill valve that does not shut off, and a float set too high are the three most common reasons a toilet runs continuously. Each requires a different part and a different repair.

How to Tell Which One It Is

Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If it appears in the bowl without flushing, the flapper is leaking. If the water level is at or above the overflow tube, the fill valve or float is the issue.

Why a Running Toilet Is Worth Fixing Fast

A running toilet can waste 200 gallons a day or more. Over a month, that adds meaningfully to your water bill. The repair itself is usually inexpensive.

When to Call a Professional

If the flapper replacement did not fix it, or if the fill valve is visibly damaged, it is worth having a professional look at it. A toilet that has been running for a long time sometimes has secondary issues — worn flush valve seat, hairline cracks, or corroded supply connections.

Peregrina Plumbing in Alexandria

We handle toilet repair and replacement across Alexandria, VA. Diagnosis on arrival, price before work, Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM plus Saturday emergencies.

Need plumbing help in Alexandria? Peregrina Plumbing is ready.

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