We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Watching the waste remain in the bowl and noticing the water draining painfully slowly, you might think that your toilet is prone to clogs.

A running toilet may not be quite as bad as a clogged toilet, but if left unchecked, this problem can waste hundreds of gallons of water and quite a few dollars. The fix is easier than you think.

Lee Wallender is a home improvement writer of nearly 20 years and specializes in home remodeling, repair and maintenance. Lowe Larretta is former lead editor for Forbes Home, covering all things ...