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Why does my toilet phantom flush?

A phantom flush is when your toilet randomly runs for a few seconds then stops. This is caused by a slow leak from the tank into the bowl through a worn or misaligned flapper. The tank slowly loses water, triggering the fill valve to add more water. Replace the flapper, which costs about 10 dollars and takes minutes to install. Also check that the flapper chain has slight slack so the flapper seals completely when closed.

Why It Matters

A phantom flush wastes water constantly and can add significant cost to your water bill over time. The fix is cheap and easy to do yourself.

Related Questions

How do I shut off my main water valve? How do I unclog a toilet or drain? Why is my water pressure low? How do I know if I have a water leak? Should I repair or replace my water heater?

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