“Phantom Flushing” and Other Sneaky Plumbing Problems Lurking in Your Home

Is your toilet flushing itself? It might not be a ghost—just a hidden leak.

At Karney Plumbing, we’ve helped hundreds of Tulsa homeowners solve puzzling plumbing issues. One of the most common—and misunderstood—is “phantom flushing”: the sound of your toilet refilling when no one’s used it. It's just one example of sneaky plumbing problems that can waste water and money without obvious signs.

In this post, we’ll highlight 5 silent plumbing issues you shouldn’t ignore and what to do if you spot them.

1. 🚽 Phantom Flushing

What it means: A slow leak from the tank into the bowl, usually caused by a worn-out flapper or faulty flush valve. Why it matters: This can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day—a major hit on your utility bill.

• Drop food coloring in the tank, wait 10 minutes. If the bowl changes color—you’ve got a leak.

• Replacing the flapper is a quick DIY fix, or call us if it persists.

2. 🚿 Hidden Shower Leaks

You may not see water dripping—but it could be leaking into the wall behind the tiles.

• Musty smells

• Loose tiles

• Unexplained mildew

• If your water bill spikes and you can’t find a reason, a hidden leak might be to blame.

• A licensed plumber can perform a pressure test or thermal scan to locate it.

3. 💧 Constantly Running Water Heater

If your water heater seems to be always “on,” it could be compensating for a faulty pressure relief valve or sediment buildup. Why it matters:

• Reduced efficiency and higher energy bills

• Risk of overheating or rupture

• Listen for rumbling or hissing

• Schedule an annual flush and inspection

4. 🚰 Low Water Pressure

It’s not just annoying—it could signal:

• Pipe corrosion

• Water line leaks

• Failing pressure regulator Pro tip: If it’s only one fixture, the problem is local. If it’s the whole house, time to call Karney Plumbing.

5. 🌊 Sewer Smells in Unused Rooms

That bad odor in your guest bathroom? It could be a dry trap letting sewer gas into your home.

• Run water down unused drains every few weeks

• For ongoing smells, we can run a smoke test to find hidden leaks or vent problems

Don’t Let “Small” Problems Become Big Repairs

Many plumbing issues don’t make themselves obvious until damage is already done. That’s why Karney Plumbing offers preventative inspections and emergency service across the Tulsa metro area.

🛠️ Need help diagnosing a mysterious sound or smell? We’ll track it down and fix it fast—without guesswork.

Contact us today at www.karneyplumbing.com/contact or call (918) 910-9977.

✅ Quick Checklist: Signs You Need a Plumber

• Toilet refills without being flushed

• Unexpected spikes in your water bill

• Persistent mildew or odor in specific rooms

• Hot water runs out faster than usual

• Water stains on ceilings or walls