A running toilet is one of those home problems that sounds small… until you hear it at 2 a.m., or you open your water bill and do a double-take. That constant “shhhhhh” noise isn’t just annoying—it often means clean water is continuously flowing from your tank into the bowl, and sometimes right down the drain. In other words, you’re paying for water you’re not even using.
The good news: running toilet repairs are usually straightforward for a skilled plumber. The even better news: you don’t have to guess who to call. In this guide, I’ll break down how to find the best running toilet repair services near you in the USA, what a fair price looks like, what questions to ask, and how to avoid getting upsold into a full toilet replacement when you only needed a $15 part.
What “Running Toilet” Actually Means (And Why It Happens)
A toilet “runs” when water keeps refilling the tank or trickling into the bowl after a flush—sometimes constantly, sometimes on and off every few minutes. Most of the time, it’s caused by a few common parts wearing out:
1) Worn flapper (most common)
The rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank can warp, crack, or get crusty with mineral buildup. When it doesn’t seal tightly, water leaks into the bowl nonstop.
2) Fill valve issues
If your fill valve is failing, the tank might overfill, refill slowly, or keep cycling. You might hear random refills even when nobody flushed.
3) Float set too high
If the float is adjusted too high, the water level rises above the overflow tube, and water silently runs into the overflow.
4) Leaky flush valve seal
This is like the flapper’s bigger cousin. Some toilets (especially newer designs) use a canister seal instead of a traditional flapper.
5) Loose or cracked overflow tube
Less common, but it happens—especially in older toilets or after DIY repairs.
Why you shouldn’t ignore it: besides the water bill, constant running can wear down components faster and eventually cause bigger failures. Plus, it’s a sign something isn’t sealing correctly—leaks rarely get better on their own.
DIY vs Hiring a Pro: When You Should Call a Toilet Repair Service
I’m all for simple DIY fixes, but running toilets can be sneaky. Here’s a practical way to decide:
You can try DIY if:
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The toilet runs but still flushes normally
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You’re comfortable removing the tank lid and adjusting the float
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You don’t see water around the base of the toilet
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The toilet is a standard model (not a fancy wall-hung or pressure-assisted system)
Quick DIY test: Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait 15 minutes without flushing. If color shows up in the bowl, you’ve got a leak from tank to bowl—usually the flapper/seal.
Call a pro if:
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The toilet keeps running even after you adjust the float
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The tank parts look old, corroded, or mismatched
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You have hard water buildup and parts are stuck
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The toilet is constantly refilling every few minutes
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You suspect the issue is deeper (cracks, internal leaks, weak flush, gurgling)
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You don’t want trial-and-error (totally fair)
A good plumber can usually diagnose and repair a running toilet quickly, and often with parts they have on hand.
What the Best Running Toilet Repair Services Typically Offer
When you’re searching “running toilet repair near me,” you’ll see a mix of independent plumbers and big plumbing companies. The best services (regardless of size) usually have these things in common:
✅ Same-day or next-day appointments
Running toilets waste water fast, so responsive scheduling is a big deal.
✅ Upfront pricing (or clear estimate range)
Even if the final cost depends on parts, they should be able to give a realistic expectation.
✅ Stocked trucks
Good plumbers carry common toilet parts: flappers, fill valves, supply lines, and seals.
✅ Workmanship warranty
Many reputable plumbers offer a warranty on parts and labor (often 30 days to 1 year, depending on the company).
✅ Good communication
They explain what failed, what they’re replacing, and why. You shouldn’t have to “just trust them.”
How to Find the Best “Running Toilet Repair Near Me” (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how I’d do it if my toilet started running tonight.
1) Search locally using specific keywords
Instead of only “toilet repair near me,” try:
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running toilet repair near me
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toilet fill valve replacement near me
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toilet flapper repair plumber near me
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emergency toilet repair near me (if it’s urgent)
You’ll get more targeted results.
2) Check reviews the smart way (not just star rating)
A 4.9-star rating looks nice—but read the recent reviews and look for patterns:
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Do people mention pricing transparency?
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Do they show up on time?
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Do they push unnecessary replacements?
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Do they clean up?
If multiple reviews mention surprise charges, slow response, or upsells, move on.
3) Confirm licensing and insurance
In most states, plumbers must be licensed for certain types of work. At minimum:
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Ask if they’re licensed (if required in your area)
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Ask if they’re insured
A legit company won’t get weird about this question.
4) Ask about service call fees and minimum charges
Some plumbers charge a flat service fee just to come out, which may or may not apply toward the repair. It’s normal—just make sure you know upfront.
5) Look for plumbing companies that specialize in residential repairs
Running toilets are a bread-and-butter residential job. A plumber who does a lot of residential service calls will typically be faster and more efficient than someone who mostly does remodels.
Typical Cost of Running Toilet Repair in the USA
Prices vary a lot by city, time of day, and how old your toilet is, but here’s a realistic range:
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Basic flapper replacement: often the least expensive
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Fill valve replacement: usually moderate
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Full tank rebuild (flapper + fill valve + hardware): more, but still often cheaper than replacing the toilet
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Emergency/after-hours service: higher (even if the fix is simple)
What affects price the most:
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After-hours/holiday service
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Hard water corrosion (parts stuck or brittle)
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Specialty toilets (pressure-assisted, wall-hung, one-piece)
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Needing a full rebuild vs one part
If someone quotes you a huge number without even seeing the toilet or asking basic questions, that’s a red flag.
Common Running Toilet Repairs a Plumber Might Do
Here’s what a typical service visit might include:
Flapper replacement + chain adjustment
They’ll replace the flapper and adjust the chain so it seals properly and doesn’t “hang up.”
Fill valve replacement + float calibration
A new fill valve can stop cycling, improve refill speed, and prevent overfilling into the overflow tube.
Flush valve seal replacement
Some toilets use a tower/canister seal. If that seal leaks, the toilet will run even with a healthy fill valve.
Tank-to-bowl bolts and gasket check
If there’s moisture, rust, or wobbling, a plumber might inspect tank bolts and the tank-to-bowl gasket.
Supply line and shutoff valve inspection
Not always necessary, but a good plumber will glance at these—especially if the valve is seized or the line looks old.
Pros & Cons: Hiring a Running Toilet Repair Service
Pros
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Fast diagnosis (no guessing)
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Correct parts for your toilet model
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Less risk of leaks caused by DIY missteps
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Warranty on labor/parts (depends on company)
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Helpful extras like checking shutoff valve and water pressure
Cons
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Service call fee may apply even for small fixes
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After-hours rates can be pricey
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Some companies upsell (“You need a whole new toilet”) when you don’t
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Scheduling can be tough in busy seasons
If you want to keep costs down, aim for weekday daytime service when possible.
Questions to Ask Before You Book a Plumber
These are simple, but they save you from surprises:
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Do you charge a trip/service call fee?
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Can you give a rough range for a running toilet repair?
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Do you carry common toilet parts on the truck?
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Do you offer a workmanship warranty? For how long?
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Will you explain the issue and options before starting?
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Are you licensed and insured (if required locally)?
A trustworthy company answers these quickly and clearly.
Real-Life Examples (So You Know What “Normal” Looks Like)
Example 1: Toilet runs constantly after every flush
Cause: flapper not sealing + chain too tight
Fix: replace flapper, adjust chain
Time: quick visit
Result: silent toilet, normal water level
Example 2: Toilet refills every 10 minutes randomly
Cause: slow leak from tank to bowl, often a worn seal or flapper
Fix: new seal/flapper, sometimes fill valve if it’s old too
Result: no more “ghost flushing” sounds
Example 3: Toilet won’t stop running and water level is high
Cause: float set too high or fill valve stuck open
Fix: adjust float or replace fill valve
Result: tank stops overflowing into the overflow tube
How to Avoid Getting Pushed Into a Full Toilet Replacement
Sometimes replacing the toilet is the right move—like if the porcelain is cracked, the toilet is ancient and clogs constantly, or you want a water-saving upgrade.
But if the toilet is in good shape and the issue is purely internal running, most fixes are part replacements.
A good plumber will:
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Show you the worn part
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Explain why it failed
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Offer repair options (basic fix vs full rebuild)
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Only suggest replacement when it truly makes sense
If someone immediately jumps to “new toilet” without diagnosing anything, get a second opinion.
FAQs About Running Toilet Repair Services
How urgent is a running toilet?
Pretty urgent. Even a slow leak can waste a surprising amount of water. If it’s running nonstop, it’s worth fixing ASAP.
Can a running toilet cause damage?
Usually it’s “just” water waste, but constant refilling can wear out parts faster. If there’s any leaking outside the tank or moisture at the base, that can cause flooring damage—call a plumber.
Is it usually the flapper?
A flapper or seal is one of the most common causes, yes. But fill valves and float issues are also very common.
How long does the repair take?
Many running toilet repairs are handled in a single visit and don’t take long, assuming parts aren’t unusual.
Should I rebuild the whole toilet tank or replace one part?
If your toilet is older and multiple components are worn, a tank rebuild can be smart. If it’s newer and only one part failed, replace the one part.
Can a plumber fix it the same day?
Often yes, especially for common repairs. Availability depends on your area and the time you call.
What if my toilet keeps running after a repair?
Contact the plumber. Reputable companies stand behind their work and will correct issues—especially if it’s covered under warranty.
Conclusion: Finding the Best Running Toilet Repair Near You
A running toilet is annoying, wasteful, and honestly… it just makes your bathroom feel broken. The good news is that this is one of the most common plumbing repairs in the USA, and the right plumber can usually fix it quickly.
To find the best running toilet repair services near you, focus on:
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strong recent reviews (especially about pricing and communication)
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clear service call and estimate policies
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licensing/insurance where required
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experience with residential toilet repairs
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a basic workmanship warranty
And don’t feel bad calling around for quotes. A simple running toilet shouldn’t turn into a mystery bill.
If you want, tell me your city/state (or just your ZIP code) and whether your toilet runs constantly or cycles on and off, and I’ll help you narrow down what the most likely fix is—and what price range you should expect in your area.