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While you may not be familiar with the term ghost flushing, there’s a chance you’ve experienced it in your home. It’s just as unusual as it sounds — but just because the toilet flushes on its own doesn’t mean there’s something problematic happening. It’s actually a situation that a plumber can resolve easily. Here’s what you need to know about this common concern. 

What Is Ghost Flushing?

“Ghost flushing” occurs when a toilet flushes all on its own. It can be a startling experience to hear this, particularly if you are home alone. Under normal circumstances, the lever is pressed by hand and the water in the tank releases, causing it to fill the toilet bowl in the process. The tank water level falls and a valve inside it refills the water. When there’s a problem with the plumbing system, this entire process occurs all by itself. 

What Causes the Problem?

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The primary reason the toilet flushes is because water is leaking from the tank into the bowl. When this happens continuously, it could cause the fixture to flush on its own, wasting a significant amount of water and driving up your utility costs in the process. 

Usually, the culprit is a loose flapper, which you can test by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank. Let it sit without flushing for half an hour, then check the bowl. If the water is a different color, the flapper could have a leak. A short chain could also be to blame, especially if you recently readjusted it.

How Is It Resolved?

If the toilet continues to flush on its own, turn off the water valve to stop flow to the structure and prevent it from wasting water and energy. Then contact a plumber, who may choose to replace the flush valve, change the flapper, or fix the chain so that it fits inside the tank properly.
 

If you seek a reliable plumber to resolve your ghost flushing concerns in Cincinnati, OH, turn to Mike Hensley Plumbing and Electric. Proudly serving the community since 1990, the company offers a variety of general plumbing services, including drain and sewer cleaning. Visit the website for more information, or call (513) 574-8553 to schedule an appointment. 

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