Why is My Toilet Running Randomly? (Phantom Flushing)
Toilet Repair
Hearing your toilet spontaneously refill itself is annoying and wasteful. This phenomenon, known as 'phantom flushing,' can waste hundreds of gallons of water a month.
The Cause: A Leaky Flapper
The most common culprit is a worn-out flapper valve. This rubber seal at the bottom of the tank degrades over time, allowing water to slowly seep into the bowl. When the water level in the tank drops low enough, the float valve triggers a refill cycle to top it off.
The DIY Test
- 1. Remove the tank lid.
- 2. Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank water.
- 3. Wait 20 minutes without flushing.
- 4. Check the bowl. If you see colored water, your flapper is leaking and needs replacement.