A toilet that refills every few minutes is one of the easiest money leaks in a house. On metered services, it shows up on the bill long before you notice the sound.
Common causes
- Worn flapper that no longer seals
- Fill valve stuck or set too high (water into the overflow)
- Chain tangled or too tight
- “Ghost flushing” from a slow silent leak
5-minute dye test
Put a few drops of food colouring in the tank. Wait 10–15 minutes without flushing. Colour in the bowl means the flapper (or flush valve seat) is leaking.
Repair vs replace
Most running toilets need a flapper or fill valve — cheap parts, quick labour. Full replacement makes sense for cracked tanks, constant clamoring, or when you want a modern water-efficient model during a bathroom update.
Need a plumber in St. John’s or nearby? Perpetual Plumbing Inc rolls out in our 2024 Ford Transit across the Northeast Avalon. Book online or call +1 (709) 689-8958.
Need a hand with this?
Book online or call us directly — we’re happy to help across St. John’s and the Northeast Avalon.