You flush. You wait. You expect the water to stop flowing. But minutes later, your toilet is still running, as if it’s stuck on replay.
If you’ve asked yourself, “Why does my toilet keep running?” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common plumbing annoyances for homeowners in Brevard County. And while it may seem like a minor issue, that constant trickle could be wasting gallons of water a day, slowly draining your wallet, and pointing to bigger problems in your plumbing system.
The good news is that you can typically fix a running toilet quickly, especially when you understand the cause of the issue. Whether you live in a beachside condo or a family home in Melbourne or Palm Bay, knowing what to look for can help you minimize noise, conserve water, and prevent unexpected repairs down the line.
Tired of jiggling the handle every time you flush?
At Certified Plumbing of Brevard, we can diagnose and fix your running toilet in a single visit.
Schedule a fix-it-fast appointment today
The Refill That Doesn’t Know When to Quit
When a toilet continues to run long after it has flushed, it usually means that one or more internal components aren’t functioning correctly. Inside the tank, a delicate chain of events is supposed to unfold in perfect order: the flapper lifts, water rushes into the bowl, and then the tank refills and seals tightly.
However, if any part of that chain breaks down, the water continues to move. The fill valve may never shut off. The flapper may not fully close. The float might be misaligned. And each of these minor issues can lead to one big, annoying question: Why does my toilet keep running?
The Flapper May Not Be Sealing Right
The flapper is the rubber piece that lifts when you flush, allowing water to rush from the tank into the bowl. Afterward, it’s supposed to fall back into place and create a watertight seal.
Over time, flappers can warp, crack, or get coated with mineral buildup. Even a slight gap can let water leak out continuously, triggering the fill valve to keep refilling the tank.
This is one of the most common culprits behind a running toilet, and the good news is it’s often a quick and inexpensive fix. In some cases, simply cleaning the flapper or adjusting the chain can do the trick.
Adjust the Float to Stop the Endless Refill
Inside the tank, a float rises with the water level, signaling the fill valve to shut off when the tank is full. If the float is set too high, the water can reach the overflow tube and drain back into the bowl, creating a cycle that never ends.
Adjusting the float to a lower level helps the system shut off properly once the tank is full. Most modern toilets have an adjustment screw or a sliding clip to adjust the float’s position up or down.
This is a simple tweak that can have a significant impact on your water bill. In homes across Brevard, toilets with misaligned floats are quietly wasting hundreds of gallons a month.
Mineral Buildup Might Be Interfering
Brevard County’s water tends to carry minerals that can settle inside plumbing fixtures over time. Inside your toilet tank, that mineral buildup can clog small valves, weigh down parts, or impede the proper functioning of moving pieces.
If your toilet parts feel gritty or sticky, or you notice white or brown residue inside the tank, buildup could be to blame. Sometimes a deep clean will help. At other times, replacing the affected components with higher-quality parts is a more effective long-term solution.
Your Fill Valve Could Be Worn Out
If your toilet sounds like it’s constantly trying to refill itself, the fill valve might be faulty. This valve controls the amount of water that enters the tank after a flush. When it malfunctions, it can continue feeding water long after it’s needed.
A worn or noisy fill valve may start slowly but worsen over time. You might hear a hissing or whistling noise, which indicates that your system is trying and failing to shut off.
Because fill valves vary by toilet model, it’s essential to choose the correct replacement or have a professional install it for you. Our plumbers at Certified Plumbing of Brevard can handle that in minutes, ensuring a perfect fit and quiet, efficient operation.
Running Toilets Are Not Just an Annoyance
Besides the constant sound, a running toilet has a hidden cost. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a running toilet can waste more than 200 gallons of water per day. That’s not just bad for the environment, it’s also bad for your wallet.
A single running toilet can spike your utility bill by tens of dollars every month. If you’re on city water, you’re paying for every drop that flows down the drain unnecessarily.
If the issue persists for too long, it can stress your entire plumbing system, wear out parts, and eventually lead to leaks or overflows.
Trusted Repairs from Brevard’s Plumbing Experts
At Certified Plumbing of Brevard, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners eliminate noisy toilets, repair inefficient systems, and reduce their water bills. We understand the challenges associated with Florida’s climate, water quality, and the construction of older homes.
Whether it’s a simple adjustment or a complete toilet rebuild, we offer same-day service, honest pricing, and top-tier parts that last.
No upsells. No confusion. Just the peace of mind that your bathroom is running as it should.
Ready to Put the Silence Back in Your Bathroom?
Get a professional fix for that running toilet today. One visit from our expert is all it takes.
The Sound You Shouldn’t Ignore
If your toilet keeps running, it won’t fix itself. It’s a signal that something inside the tank isn’t functioning correctly. From loose flappers to high floats, mineral buildup to faulty valves, every running toilet has a story, and every story has a solution.
The next time you find yourself asking, “Why does my toilet keep running?” you’ll know it’s time to act. A quick repair today prevents a bigger water bill tomorrow. And if you ever need help, remember there’s a local team in Brevard that knows precisely how to make it right.
Still hearing that endless trickle?
Connect with our team and let us take care of it once and for all.
Your water bill and your ears will thank you.
