A toilet that never fully shuts off can waste hundreds of gallons per month. You may hear a faint hiss, see ripples in the bowl, or notice the tank warm to the touch from constant refill.
Most running toilets come down to a worn flapper, a mis-set chain, a failing fill valve, or a tank water level set too high so water spills into the overflow tube.
Parts are inexpensive; labor is usually a short visit. Waiting rarely saves money — water bills climb quietly while mineral deposits make the flapper worse.
If dye testing shows a leak from tank to bowl, don’t ignore it. A local plumber can replace the right component and confirm the flush valve seat isn’t damaged.