A toilet that doesn’t flush properly can be a major inconvenience, especially if you have just one toilet. Oftentimes, constant running after flushing indicates that key components like the fill valve, flush mechanism, and overflow pipe may need adjustment or replacement if they’re damaged or worn. These parts regulate water flow in and out of the toilet cistern, and when they’re not working correctly, water keeps running into the toilet bowl.

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When your toilet keeps running, it’s usually due to three common reasons:

1. Adjust your fill valve.
2. Fix a leaky flush mechanism.
3. Make adjustments to the overflow pipe.

Before seeking a solution, ensure you have the necessary tools and materials on hand: water pump pliers, a screwdriver, and a towel (cloth or sponge).
If you’re willing to do some troubleshooting, you can check and attempt to fix the issue yourself. Here are the possible causes of your running toilet and how to address them.

1) Your fill valve requires adjustment

For your toilet to function correctly, it needs the right amount of water in the cistern, usually indicated inside the cistern.

Follow these steps to ensure the proper water level:
1. Lift the cistern lid and flush the toilet to check if the water reaches the marked level. If not, the water level is too low.
2. Adjust the float arm attached to the fill valve to allow more water into the cistern. Raising the float results in more water. Wait for it to reach the mark, then flush.

If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you might be dealing with a water supply problem:
1. Check if the isolation valve on the supply pipe is fully open. Use a flat-head screwdriver to align the notch on the screw with the pipe.
2. If the problem persists and your toilet is supplied by a storage cistern, inspect the cold water storage cistern in the loft. It supplies cold water to various fixtures, including the toilet. If the bathroom taps are also affected, manipulate the ball valve in the storage cistern by gently moving the arm up and down. When it’s fixed, you’ll hear the cistern start to fill. Ensure it shuts off after filling.

2) The flush mechanism is leaking
The flush mechanism in your toilet is situated at the bottom of the cistern and is connected to the flush lever or button on the outside. It allows water to enter the toilet bowl when you flush.

To troubleshoot this, follow these steps:
-Remove the cistern lid.
-Turn off the water supply to your toilet using the isolation valve.
-Verify that the flush lever or button is properly connected.

If the flush mechanism is damaged, it affects the flow of water into the toilet bowl and cistern. Here’s how to address the issue:

-Turn off the water supply to the toilet and remove the cistern lid.

-Examine the flush mechanism for damage.
-If it’s damaged or worn, you’ll need a replacement, available at DIY stores or plumbing supply shops.
-After installing the replacement, flush the toilet to confirm the issue is resolved.

3) The overflow pipe requires adjustment

The third issue may be water entering the toilet bowl through the overflow pipe, often due to an improperly set overflow tube height. If your overflow runs outside the cistern, this isn’t the problem.

To fix it, adjust the tube by extending it (if telescopic) or trimming it (if too long).

If none of these solutions work for you, consider hiring a plumber.