A toilet that won’t stop running is more than just an annoying background noise—it’s a silent money drain. If you live in Santa Fe, NM, and you’ve noticed your toilet refilling over and over again, hissing, whistling, or randomly turning on by itself, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners, renters, and landlords face.
The good news? Many running toilet problems are simple to understand. The bad news? Ignoring them can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day, drive up your utility bill, and eventually lead to bigger plumbing problems.
In this guide, we’ll explain why your toilet keeps running, walk through the most common causes, show you what you can safely check yourself, and help you decide when it’s time to call a professional for toilet repair in Santa Fe.
Why a Running Toilet Is a Bigger Problem Than You Think
A running toilet may not flood your bathroom, but it quietly wastes water nonstop. According to the EPA, a single running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. That adds up fast—especially in a high-desert area like Santa Fe, where water conservation matters.
Beyond higher water bills, a constantly running toilet can also:
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Wear out internal components faster
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Put stress on your plumbing system
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Cause mineral buildup in valves and seals
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Create constant noise and vibration
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Mask other plumbing issues in the home
If your toilet is running, hissing, or refilling randomly, it’s time to figure out why.
How a Toilet Works (Quick and Simple)
Before we jump into the problems, it helps to understand how your toilet works—at least at a basic level.
Inside the toilet tank are a few key components:
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Fill valve: Refills the tank after flushing
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Flapper valve: Releases water into the bowl during a flush
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Overflow tube: Prevents the tank from overfilling
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Float: Tells the fill valve when to stop filling
If any one of these parts fails, your toilet can start running continuously.
1. Worn or Damaged Flapper Valve (Most Common Cause)
What’s happening:
The flapper is a rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. When you flush, it lifts to let water flow into the bowl. When the tank empties, it’s supposed to drop back down and seal tightly.
Over time, flappers can:
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Warp
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Crack
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Harden from mineral buildup
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Lose their seal
When that happens, water slowly leaks from the tank into the bowl—triggering the fill valve to keep refilling the tank.
Signs this is the problem:
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Toilet runs constantly
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Toilet runs every few minutes without flushing
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You can hear water trickling into the bowl
DIY check:
Put a few drops of food coloring into the tank. Wait 10–15 minutes without flushing. If the color shows up in the bowl, the flapper is leaking.
Fix:
Replacing a flapper is inexpensive and straightforward—but choosing the wrong size or type can cause repeat problems. Santa Fe’s hard water can also shorten flapper lifespan.
2. Faulty or Worn Fill Valve
What’s happening:
The fill valve controls how water refills the tank after each flush. When it fails, it may:
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Never shut off completely
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Make hissing or whistling noises
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Overfill the tank
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Refill repeatedly
Signs this is the problem:
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Loud hissing or squealing
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Tank keeps filling even when full
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Water flows into the overflow tube
DIY check:
Remove the tank lid and flush. Watch how the tank refills. If water keeps running after the tank is full—or flows into the overflow tube—the fill valve may be failing.
Fix:
Fill valve replacement is a common running toilet fix, but improper installation or incorrect water pressure settings can lead to more issues.
3. Float Set Too High
What’s happening:
The float tells the fill valve when to stop filling. If it’s set too high, water rises above the proper level and drains into the overflow tube—causing the toilet to run nonstop.
Signs this is the problem:
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Water level is very high in the tank
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Water constantly flows into the overflow tube
DIY fix:
Some floats can be adjusted with a simple screw or clip. Lowering the float slightly may solve the issue.
When this becomes a problem:
In older toilets or systems with hard water buildup (common in Santa Fe), floats may stick or lose calibration.
4. Cracked or Misaligned Overflow Tube
What’s happening:
The overflow tube is designed as a safety feature. But if it’s cracked, loose, or improperly sized, water may drain continuously—even when everything else seems fine.
Signs this is the problem:
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Constant trickling sound
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Water always draining into the bowl
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No obvious flapper or fill valve issue
Fix:
This usually requires replacing internal components or the flush valve assembly. At this point, professional toilet repair in Santa Fe is often the smartest move.
5. Loose or Worn Chain Between Handle and Flapper
What’s happening:
The chain connecting the handle to the flapper can become tangled, too tight, or too loose. If the flapper can’t fully close, water keeps leaking.
Signs this is the problem:
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Toilet runs after flushing
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Handle feels loose or doesn’t return properly
DIY fix:
Adjust the chain length so there’s just a little slack. Too much slack prevents flushing; too little prevents sealing.
6. Hard Water and Mineral Buildup (Very Common in Santa Fe)
What’s happening:
Santa Fe has hard water, which means minerals like calcium and magnesium build up inside your plumbing fixtures over time.
This buildup can:
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Prevent seals from closing properly
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Damage rubber components
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Clog valves
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Shorten the life of toilet parts
Signs this is the problem:
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Repeated flapper or fill valve failures
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White or chalky residue inside the tank
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Toilet repairs don’t last very long
Long-term solution:
Professional inspection, part replacement, and possibly water treatment solutions to prevent repeat issues.
Why DIY Toilet Repairs Sometimes Backfire
Many people try to fix a running toilet themselves—and sometimes it works. But in our experience, DIY toilet repairs often lead to:
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Incorrect parts being installed
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Temporary fixes that don’t last
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Hidden leaks that go unnoticed
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Repeated trips to the hardware store
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Frustration and wasted time
For renters especially, DIY plumbing may violate lease agreements. For homeowners, improper repairs can cause bigger plumbing problems down the line.
When to Call a Professional for Toilet Repair in Santa Fe
You should call a licensed plumber if:
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The toilet keeps running after replacing parts
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You hear loud or unusual noises
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Water is leaking around the base of the toilet
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Multiple toilets are having issues
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You’re dealing with hard water damage
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The toilet is old or inefficient
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You want a long-term solution—not a temporary fix
Professional toilet repair ensures the issue is diagnosed correctly the first time.
Should You Repair or Replace the Toilet?
Sometimes, repair isn’t the best option—especially if your toilet is older.
Consider replacement if:
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The toilet is 15–20+ years old
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Repairs keep failing
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You want better water efficiency
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Cracks are present in the porcelain
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You’re remodeling or upgrading fixtures
Modern toilets use far less water and are quieter, more reliable, and better suited for Santa Fe’s water conditions.
Preventing Running Toilet Problems in the Future
Here’s how to reduce the chance of future issues:
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Inspect toilet components annually
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Clean mineral buildup inside the tank
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Replace rubber parts every few years
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Avoid chemical cleaners inside the tank
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Address small issues early
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Schedule routine plumbing inspections
Preventive care saves money and avoids emergencies.
Why Choose Salazar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing?
At Salazar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we’ve helped homeowners and renters across New Mexico solve everyday plumbing problems—including running toilets—quickly and affordably.
We offer:
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Fast, professional toilet repair
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Honest, upfront pricing
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Experience with Santa Fe plumbing systems
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Solutions that last—not temporary fixes
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Full plumbing and HVAC services
Whether it’s a noisy toilet, a stubborn running tank, or a full bathroom plumbing issue, we’re here to help.
Call Now for Professional Toilet Repair
If your toilet keeps running, don’t ignore it. Save water, lower your bill, and avoid bigger plumbing issues by calling the pros.
📞 Call Salazar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing at (505) 820-2007 to schedule toilet repair service today.
Serving Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and surrounding New Mexico communities with reliable, expert plumbing solutions you can trust.