Probably every homeowner at one time or another has encountered a situation wherein the toilet seems to run for no good reason. Sometimes, toilets even flush on their own, a problem commonly called "ghost flushing." Knowing why this happens and how you can stop this problem from occurring can help you take care of your home, conserve water and reduce your water bills.

Why Toilets Run Between Flushes

Toilets consist of two parts: the tank and the bowl. When the toilet is flushed, water in the tank flows into the bowl and washes the contents of the bowl down the drain. When the toilet isn't being flushed, a seal (called a "flapper") prevents the water in the tank from leaking into the bowl.

Over time, the flapper can develop cracks or a layer of algae that prevents the flapper from forming a tight seal. Ghost flushing and random running can happen when enough water leaks out of the tank and into the bowl. When the water level in the toilet is low enough, the toilet "flushes," the tank refills with water and the process starts over again.

Some toilets ghost flush on a regular basis. Other toilets ghost flush rarely. The length of time that passes between ghost flushes will depend on the severity of the leak.

What You Can Do

Homeowners who decide that their toilet has a leak can usually fix the problem by repairing or replacing the parts in the toilet tank. To begin, turn off the water supply to the toilet and then flush the toilet to empty the water from the bowl.

Since algae on the flapper can sometimes cause water to leak from the tank to the bowl, start by removing the flapper in the bottom of the tank and cleaning off the algae.

If this doesn't stop the leak, check to be sure that the chain inside the toilet tank isn't so long that it could become trapped underneath the flapper. If the chain is long enough, cut it so that it can no longer get in the way.

If neither of these problems are causing the leak, then it may be time to replace the entire toilet tank assembly. Universal toilet tank pieces can be purchased from home improvement centers and hardware stores.

When it's time to install the toilet tank assembly, read the manufacturer's instructions before beginning your project. Each tank assembly may have slightly different instructions, so this part is important even if you've replaced toilet tank parts in the past.

Other Signs Your Toilet Has A Leak

If your toilet has a leak, ghost flushing will only be one of the signs. Some of the other signs that your toilet has a leak includes:

• The water in the bowl seems to ripple even when the toilet hasn't been flushed.
• A hissing noise can be heard in the toilet.

You can also check to see if your toilet has a leak by putting food dye in the tank of the toilet and waiting about 15 or 20 minutes. If the toilet has a leak, the water in the bowl will eventually change the same color as the water in the tank.

Work With a Reputable Plumber​

If you've replaced the contents of your toilet tank and you find that your toilet is still leaking, it's probably time to call a plumber. Working with a reputable plumber in your area can help you fix your toilet and save water. At Moody Plumbing in Coral Springs, we can answer your questions about ghost flushing, toilet leaks and other plumbing problems. To make an appointment or to discuss your plumbing with an expert, contact us today at 954-972-1079.