Toilet runs after the water was shut off — reset the flapper
Running toilet
Toilet keeps running after a water shutoff or plumber visit? Grit and air can shift the flapper. Flush, check the seat and reset the chain.
After the house water is shut off and turned back on, a running toilet is common. Sediment and air in the line can move the flapper or the fill valve.
Reset the toilet after a water shutoff
- Take the tank lid off and set it on a towel.
- Flush once and watch the flapper drop. It should land flat on the seat.
- If it lands crooked, straighten the chain so it hangs with a little slack.
- Wipe the flapper seat with a cloth to remove grit.
- If water keeps running into the overflow tube, check the fill valve for debris.
Still running with the water below the overflow tube? Work through the full toilet keeps running flapper check, including the dye test and 2-inch vs 3-inch replacement.
If the shutoff valve behind the toilet drips after reopening it, close it gently and call a plumber.
More help
- Same niche: Adjust toilet flapper chain slack so it seats flat · Running toilet — wipe the flush valve seat under the flapper · Running toilet — flush debris out of the fill valve · Toilet water spilling into the overflow tube · Running toilet — check the supply valve for drips after a fix · All running toilet guides
- Related fixes elsewhere: Refrigerator water filter — run a few glasses after a trip