What Is Ghost Flushing?

What causes ghost flushing?

There are several reasons why your toilet might be flushing on its own, and a trained plumber is best equipped to determine the actual cause. Still, it’s worth recognizing the usual suspects. Here are some potential culprits:

• Worn Flapper Valve: The flapper valve sits at the bottom of your toilet tank and controls the flow of water from the tank to the bowl. If this valve is worn out or doesn’t seal properly, it will allow water to slowly leak from the tank into the bowl.
• Faulty Fill Valve: The fill valve is responsible for controlling the water flow to the tank. A malfunctioning or misadjusted fill valve may allow the tank to overfill.
• Damaged Overflow Tube: The overflow tube is designed to prevent water from overflowing the tank and spilling onto your bathroom floor. A damaged one, however, may leak water into the toilet bowl.
• Other Misalignments: The inner parts of your toilet tank (such as the flapper chain or flush handle) can become loose or misaligned over time. This can cause the flapper valve to open slightly and allow water into the bowl.

Ignoring ghost flushing means allowing your water bills to rack up. A constantly refilling tank can waste hundreds of gallons of water per week. Ghost flushing also adds unnecessary wear to the inner parts of the toilet tank. Components like the fill valve, flapper, and overflow tube will wear out faster if the tank is continuously refilling.

Fixing a ghost flush

The good news is that ghost flushing is often an easy and quick fix, even on your own. Check each of the parts mentioned above, and make necessary replacements. With that said, many times hiring a plumber can be quicker and easier. Running to the hardware store and fixing mistakes can end up costing you in time and money. Call Mr. Rooter if you’d rather have a trained plumber in Springfield handle the issue.

Get your price estimate UPFRONT

Whether you need a quick repair or a complete toilet replacement, the professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing offer affordable and accessible service. Call or message us today to learn more about our prices and fees before scheduling an appointment or requesting urgent assistance.