Plumbing & kitchen

Check a running toilet

Check for a stuck handle, tangled chain, or displaced tank flapper without removing plumbing.

About 5 minutesNo special tools

Safety first

Lift only the tank lid if it is light and easy to handle. Set it on a folded towel.

Written steps

  1. Make sure the flush handle is not stuck in the down position.
  2. Carefully lift the tank lid and look for a chain caught under the rubber flapper.
  3. If the chain is tangled, gently free it without bending or disconnecting parts.
  4. Confirm the flapper lies flat after the tank fills, then replace the lid.
  5. Submit a maintenance request if running continues.

Stop and request maintenance if

  • The toilet is overflowing, leaking at the floor, or rocking.
  • The shutoff valve is corroded or hard to turn.
  • A part appears broken or disconnected.

Request maintenance

Optional video

Shows common causes inside the tank. Use it to identify the issue, not to replace parts.

How to Stop a Running Toilet Tank

Loading shares data with YouTube. The written guide works without the video.

Video summary

Shows common causes inside the tank. Use it to identify the issue, not to replace parts. Follow the written DRG guidance above, which defines where residents should stop.