Running Toilet – Why You Should Fix It Promptly
A toilet that continues to run after flushing may seem like a minor issue, but it can waste a considerable amount of water and may eventually lead to a more expensive problem.
As a tenant, you are responsible for normal day-to-day maintenance and minor repairs to the toilet and flushing mechanism, as set out in the applicable list of small repairs for the tenant.
What can cause a running toilet?
A toilet may continue to run because, for example:
- the flush mechanism does not close properly;
- the rubber seal is dirty or has some limescale on it;
- the float or filling mechanism is not moving correctly;
- the flush button is not returning properly;
- limescale has built up inside the cistern.
In many cases, the problem is caused by limescale or a small adjustment or maintenance issue and can be resolved without a major repair.
Regular limescale prevention is part of normal maintenance
The cistern and flushing mechanism should be kept reasonably free from limescale.
Regular use of suitable anti-limescale tablets for the cistern is part of the normal maintenance of the toilet. This helps prevent deposits from building up around the moving parts, seals and valves.
Do not wait until the mechanism is already blocked or leaking. Preventive maintenance is considerably easier than repairing a mechanism that has become heavily affected by limescale.
Do not use expesnive or agressive descaling products! Use product only that are allowed for toilets or delicate systems. Agressive products may do more harm by affecting the rubbers inside the mechanism. Lime-tables, coffee descaling luiquid, or simply household vinegar should do the trick!
Why is a running toilet a problem?
A toilet that does not close properly can continuously use fresh water.
Even a small, barely audible flow can add up to a significant amount of water over time. If the problem continues for days or weeks, this can result in unnecessary water consumption and therefore unnecessary utility costs. Watergroep informs and advises to fix leaks immediately.
It can also cause the flushing mechanism to deteriorate further.
Don’t ignore a small leak
If you notice that your toilet keeps running:
- Check whether the flush button or mechanism has returned completely.
- Check whether there is visible water continuously flowing into the bowl.
- Check whether limescale or dirt is affecting the mechanism.
- Use an appropriate anti-limescale treatment if required.
- Carry out the applicable minor repair or adjustment.
- If the problem cannot reasonably be resolved as a minor repair or appears to be caused by a defective installation or component requiring landlord intervention, contact the landlord promptly.
Tenant responsibility does not mean ignoring defects
Being responsible for minor repairs does not mean that tenants should attempt major plumbing repairs themselves.
The principle is simple:
Keep the toilet clean and properly maintained, deal with minor maintenance and repairs yourself, and report genuine technical defects that fall outside normal tenant maintenance.
This helps keep the installation in good condition, avoids unnecessary water consumption and prevents a small problem from becoming a bigger one.
Before messing with the technicals, always inform your landlord first!
Need help?
If you are unable to solve the problem yourself, you can contact the landlord for advice or assistance. We are happy to help you identify the cause of the problem and, where appropriate, explain what you can do yourself.
If the issue turns out to require a repair or intervention beyond the tenant’s normal maintenance responsibilities, we can of course arrange the necessary follow-up.
The important thing is not to leave a running toilet unattended. Reporting the problem or asking for advice early can prevent unnecessary water consumption and avoid a small maintenance issue becoming a bigger problem.
