Steps to Take If Your Toilet Is Ghost Flushing

Ghost flushing can be an unsettling problem when your toilet seems to flush on its own, even though no one is around. Not only is it strange, but it can also waste a significant amount of water and inflate your utility bills. Fortunately, ghost flushing is a common issue that can be resolved with the right steps.

In this blog post, our professionals from Neighborhood Plumbing will explore what causes ghost flushing and what you can do about it using simple tools or by calling a plumbing repair service.

Identify the Cause of Ghost Flushing

Ghost flushing is typically caused by one main issue: a leak in your toilet’s flapper valve. The flapper is a rubber seal located at the base of the tank that regulates the flow of water into the basin. When it becomes old, warped, or dirty, it may not seal properly, allowing water to slowly leak from the tank into the bowl. As the water level drops, the toilet's fill valve kicks in to refill the tank, mimicking the action of a flush.

Start by checking the flapper valve in your toilet’s tank. Lift the tank lid and observe the flapper to see if it appears worn out, cracked, or improperly aligned. If this is the case, the ghost flushing issue may be resolved by implementing a straightforward replacement. If you are still experiencing issues, it may be wise to contact a trusted plumber.

Replace the Flapper Valve

If you notice that the flapper is the issue, replacing it is an easy job you can do yourself. First, turn off the water supply to the toilet by closing the valve located behind it. Before removing the old flapper, flush the toilet to drain the tank and then detach it from the flush mechanism. After that, head to your local hardware store and purchase a flapper designed to fit your toilet model.

Install the new flapper by securing it to the flush lever and ensuring that it fits securely over the opening. Turn the water supply back on, let the tank fill, and test the flush. If ghost flushing stops, you've resolved the issue without needing a professional plumbing service.

Check the Fill Valve for Proper Operation

If replacing the flapper valve doesn't stop the ghost flushing, the issue may lie with your toilet's fill valve. The fill valve controls the water flow into the tank after each flush. Sometimes, debris can get stuck in the fill valve, causing it to malfunction and trigger unwanted flushes. You can try to fix the issue by cleaning or adjusting the valve.

To clean the fill valve, turn off the water supply, flush the toilet to empty the tank, and remove the valve's cap. Remove any debris or sediment accumulation within the valve and reassemble it. Afterwards, reactivate the water supply and evaluate the toilet. Ghost flushing should come to an end if the fill valve is functioning correctly. If it has not come to an end, you can contact a professional service for a toilet repair.

Inspect the Float

The float, which regulates the water level in the tank, is an additional component of the toilet mechanism that should be examined. If the float is set too high, water may overflow into the overflow tube, causing the toilet to keep refilling. Adjusting the float to a lower position can stop the overflow and prevent ghost flushing.

Locate the adjustment screw or clip on the fill valve to modify the float. To lower the float's position and decrease the tank's water level, either turn the screw or adjust the clip. This should prevent water from flowing into the overflow tube and triggering a ghost flush.

Need a Reliable Company?

Are you in need of a toilet installation? Luckily, we at Neighborhood Plumbing have dedicated workers ready at your service. Contact our representatives for more questions.