Industrial Maintenance Technician Practice Test

A worn float rod is a common cause of a running toilet because it can prevent the float from rising and falling properly in the tank. The float is responsible for signaling when to stop filling the tank with water. If the rod is worn or improperly adjusted, the float may not reach the necessary level to shut off the fill valve, leading to continuous water flow into the tank and consequently causing the toilet to run. This constant cycling of water can waste an excessive amount of water over time, and it may also lead to higher water bills.

The other options may contribute to toilet issues, but they are not as commonly responsible for a running toilet as a worn float rod. A faulty tank could cause leaks or failure to hold water, but it typically does not lead to the constant running behavior. A damaged valve seat may lead to leaks or improper sealing, but it also doesn’t specifically create the scenario of a toilet that runs continuously. Excessive water pressure might contribute to other problems like leaks or flooding, but again, it is not directly tied to the running nature of a toilet as effectively as a worn float rod.