Have you ever been sitting in your living room and suddenly heard your toilet flush, even though nobody was in the bathroom? If so, you are not alone. Many people have experienced the same problem, but what can you do to fix it when your toilet flushes on its own?

Wasting water can be an expensive problem to have, and when your toilet is flushing for no reason, it is wasteful. But what causes it? We’ll cover the most common reasons that your toilet is acting up and flushing itself.

 

What Causes a Toilet to Flush on its Own?

A toilet can flush on its own for many reasons, but the most common reason is a faulty flapper valve. The flapper valve is a rubber component located at the bottom of the toilet tank. When you press the flush lever, the flapper valve lifts, allowing water to flow from the tank into the bowl. Once the bowl is full, the flapper valve closes, and the water stops flowing.

 

But if the flapper valve is old, worn, or damaged, it might not seal properly. That causes water to leak into the bowl from the tank, and then the toilet flushes on its own.

 

Another reason why your toilet might flush independently is a faulty fill valve, which is responsible for refilling the tank after it flushes. If the fill valve is not functioning correctly, it may allow water to overflow from the tank into the bowl, causing the toilet to flush on its own.

 

How to Fix a Toilet That Flushes on its Own

A self-flushing toilet can be annoying and wasteful. Here are a few ways to fix a toilet that flushes on its own to save aggravation and money.

 

  • Check the Flapper Valve

  • Adjust the Chain

  • Check the Fill Valve

  • Call a Professional

 

Check the Flapper Valve

Fortunately, flapper valves are inexpensive and easy to replace. So if your flapper valve has signs of damage or wear, replace it quickly.

 

Adjust the Chain

If the chain that connects the flush lever to the flapper valve is too long or too short, it can cause the toilet to flush on its own. Adjust the chain to ensure that the flapper valve is closing correctly. It should be long enough that the flapper valve sits flush with the tank when not in use.

 

Check the Fill Valve

If the flapper valve is not the problem, check the fill valve. Ensure it is functioning correctly and not allowing water to overflow into the bowl.

 

Call a Professional

If you are unsure about how to fix your self-flushing toilet or cannot fix it yourself, a plumber can diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution.

 

Save Money and Earn Peace of Mind

It is important to identify the cause of the problem and fix it as soon as possible. If you are experiencing a self-flushing toilet, try the simple tips we’ve shared above.

 

Plumbing Demand is Growing Rapidly

Not properly identifying problems with your toilet can cost a fortune, catastrophic failures can cause flooding, floor rot, and other expensive problems for home owners. If you have specific plumbing needs or questions about your plumbing, your local Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is here to help! Give us a call at 1-877-BEN-1776, or contact us online.