Answer first
A toilet that never fully shuts off can waste thousands of gallons a month — often a flapper, fill valve, or tank-to-bowl issue.
01
Definition
What is this?
A running toilet continuously or intermittently admits water into the bowl after the tank should have sealed.
02
When to use
When does this apply?
Fix promptly when you hear ghost fills, see ripples in the bowl, or notice a usage spike.
03
Failure modes
What goes wrong?
Jiggling the handle forever. Replacing the whole toilet when a $20 part would do. Ignoring a constantly hissing fill valve.
04
Proof
Why trust this guidance?
Hurst repairs and replaces toilets across Central Kentucky — including older homes where supply stops and wax rings need attention too.
05
Action
What should you do next?
Dye-test the tank; if color appears in the bowl without flushing, call or repair the flapper path.
Glossary
Key terms for this guide — full definitions live in the Hurst plumbing & electrical glossary.
Questions homeowners ask
FAQ
Author & reviewer
Hurst Electric & Plumbing
Reviewed by Hurst Electric & Plumbing
Company-level review by the licensed Hurst plumbing and electrical team in Danville, KY — a dual-trade shop. Guidance reflects how we diagnose on-site, explain scope in writing, and close out under the Hurst standard. Last updated .