What is Ghost Flushing?

If you live in Charleston, you are probably familiar with the city’s reputation for ghost stories. From historic homes to cobblestone alleys, Charleston is full of tales about lingering spirits. But if you hear your toilet refilling in the middle of the night, rest easy, your bathroom is not haunted. What you are hearing is something plumbers call “ghost flushing.”

Ghost flushing happens when water leaks slowly from the toilet tank into the bowl. Once enough water escapes, the fill valve turns on to replace it, making that sudden refill sound. It may not be supernatural, but the effect on your water bill can be downright scary. A toilet that runs off and on throughout the day can waste dozens of gallons of water, which adds up quickly by the end of the month.

The good news is that most of the causes are simple. Here are a few things you can check yourself:

Flapper valve

– The rubber seal at the bottom of the tank can wear out, letting water slip past. Replacing it is usually an easy job.

Fill valve

– If the fill valve does not shut off properly, water trickles into the tank when it shouldn’t. Sometimes it can be adjusted, but often it needs replacing.

Handle and chain

– If the chain is too tight or tangled, it may keep the flapper from sealing fully. A quick adjustment is often all that’s needed.

Water level

– If the tank water level is set too high, water constantly spills into the overflow tube. Adjusting the float lowers the level and stops the leak.

Why Fix It Quickly?

In a city like Charleston, it’s fun to hear a good ghost story, but ghost flushing is one you don’t want to ignore. Hundreds of gallons of water can be wasted every week, driving up your utility bill and putting unnecessary strain on your plumbing system.

Call Rooter Man in Charleston

If you check your toilet and it still keeps “haunting” you with random refills, Rooter Man is ready to help. Our plumbers know how to track down tricky leaks, replace worn-out parts, and get your toilet running properly again.

So the next time you hear your toilet refilling on its own, don’t call a ghost hunter. Call Rooter Man Charleston and let us take care of the ghost flush for good.