February 1 2023

What to Do If Your Toilet is Ghost Flushing

The term ghost flushing is used to describe a common plumbing issue where the toilet seems to be flushing every few minutes even when no one is using it. This can be a frustrating problem for homeowners or businesses to deal with since it can cause a rise in utility costs. It can also be a sign of an external water leak that could cause water damage if it is not taken care of quickly. At Rooter Hero Plumbing, we provide high quality residential and commercial plumbing services for property owners in California and Arizona cities. Are you concerned about your ghost flushing problem? Here are some ways that you can check for both internal and external leaks that are the likely cause of your issue. 

Common Causes of Internal Leaks

In many cases, ghost flushing is caused by a damaged or dysfunctional toilet component. To test whether this is the culprit for your specific scenario, you will only need one simple ingredient. Put a few drops of food dye into the toilet’s tank, and let it rest for half an hour. Check back later and look at the water inside the bowl. If it is clear, then this is probably not the issue. However, if the dye has made its way into the bowl, then you know you have internal leak. First, check your toilet’s flapper. This is the rubber piece that has a chain attached. This important part of your toilet is designed to keep the water in the tank from entering your toilet bowl until it is manually flushed. However, if it has become worn out or if there is a lot of debris present, it can corrupt the seal and cause a leak. The constant trickling of water into your toilet bowl could trigger a flush. You may need to replace this part if it shows signs of problems.  If everything seems fine with your flapper, then look at the refill tube. If it is inserted too far inside the overflow pipe, you may need to pull it back out and reattach it. In some cases, a deteriorating flush valve is to blame, in which case a replacement may be necessary. 

Do You Notice Signs of an External Toilet Leak? 

Low water levels caused by an external leak can also cause ghost flushing. This is perhaps a more detrimental issue, since external leaks can create permanent water damage, toxic mold growth and other unpleasant problems. Check the water supply valve, behind the tank and on the floor surrounding the toilet for signs of leaks. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact a plumber right away. They can fix the leak and ensure that your toilet is working properly. They can also replace the toilet if necessary so you and your loved ones can once again enjoy using the bathroom without stress or worry. 

Do You Need Help from a Professional Plumber? Call Rooter Hero Plumbing Today 

Is it time for you to get help with your ghost flushing toilet? Whether you discovered an external leak, or you need to replace an important component inside the tank, the team at Rooter Hero Plumbing is ready to help you tackle your plumbing problems. Our certified, licensed and insured specialists have the tools and training needed to get your plumbing system back in top condition right away. Contact our office for more details or to schedule an appointment with a qualified plumber in your Arizona or California area community. 


 

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