Why Your Toilet Keeps Running—And How It's Inflating Your Water Bill
Timberlake, Va. – September 11, 2026 -- A toilet that runs continuously can waste hundreds of gallons of water a month, often without homeowners noticing until their water bill spikes, according to plumbing expert Ken Settje of Plumb Care Plumbing Inc in Timberlake, Virginia.
A worn flapper is the most frequent culprit
The flapper, a rubber valve at the bottom of the toilet tank, lifts during a flush to release water and reseals to stop the flow. Over time, the material can deteriorate, warp, or accumulate mineral buildup, preventing a proper seal. This lets water leak slowly from the tank into the bowl, keeping the toilet running. Replacing the flapper often fixes the issue.