Silence the Flow: How to Fix a Running Toilet

A running toilet can be annoying and costly. But this doesn’t mean that you need to spend more money on a plumber! Learn to fix your running toilet with the easy guide below. You will be surprised how easy it is.

Fixing a running toilet involves diagnosing the issue and replacing worn or damaged parts. This involves examining the flapper, fill valve, float, and flush lever. Understanding how the toilet operates is essential to finding the issue and regular maintenance will help prevent any further issues.

With this guide, you can ensure your bathroom remains peaceful and well-maintained. You will be shocked at how much water is wasted by a running toilet alone.

Diagnosing and Fixing Running Toilets

Definitions for Running Toilets

Below are a number of terms used in this article that will help you understand how to fix your running toilet.

1. Flapper: A rubber or silicone component that seals the flush valve opening, preventing water from continuously flowing into the bowl.
2. Fill valve: A mechanism that controls the flow of water into the toilet tank, shutting off when the water reaches a predetermined level.
3. Float: A buoyant device that determines when the fill valve should close, based on the water level in the toilet tank.
4. Flush lever: A handle or button that initiates the flushing process by lifting the flapper and allowing water to flow from the tank into the bowl.
5. Overflow tube: A vertical tube inside the toilet tank that prevents water from overflowing by directing excess water into the bowl.
6. Flush valve: A valve at the bottom of the toilet tank that releases water into the bowl when the flapper is lifted during a flush.
7. Water supply valve: A valve located near the base of the toilet, which controls the flow of water to the toilet tank.

Now that you know these basic definitions, follow the steps below to find the problem and fix your running toilet.

1. Identify the Problem

The first step in fixing a running toilet is determining the cause. Listen to the sound of the running water, and inspect the inside of the toilet tank. Common issues include a faulty flapper, an improperly adjusted fill valve, a float that's set too high, or a malfunctioning flush lever.

By identifying the root of the problem, you can focus your efforts on the appropriate components and avoid unnecessary repairs. Next you will need to inspect each of these components (see below).

2. Inspect and Adjust the Flapper

The flapper is a rubber component that seals the flush valve opening, preventing water from continuously flowing into the bowl. When the flapper doesn't seal properly, it allows water to leak into the bowl, causing the toilet to run.

1. Remove the tank lid and inspect the flapper for wear or damage. Look for any cracks, warping, or deterioration that could prevent the flapper from sealing correctly.
2. If the flapper appears worn or damaged, turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush to empty the tank. Disconnect the flapper from the flush valve and the chain connecting it to the flush lever. Replace the flapper with a new one, following the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Ensure that the chain connecting the flapper to the flush lever has enough slack to allow the flapper to close properly. If the chain is too tight, it can prevent the flapper from sealing the flush valve opening. Adjust the chain as needed, allowing for about half an inch of slack.

3. Check the Fill Valve and Float

The fill valve controls the flow of water into the tank, while the float determines when the valve should close. If the fill valve is malfunctioning or the float is set too high, the tank can overfill, causing water to flow into the overflow tube and into the bowl.

1. Inspect the fill valve assembly for damage or wear. Look for any signs of leakage or corrosion that could affect its normal function.
2. To check if the fill valve is functioning properly, lift the float arm manually. The water flow should stop when the float reaches a certain height. If the water flow doesn't stop, you may need to replace the fill valve.
3. Adjust the float to ensure that it's set at the correct level. Most floats can be adjusted by either turning a screw on the float arm or by sliding a clip along a rod. Adjust the float so that the water level in the tank is approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube.

4. Examine the Flush Lever

The flush lever is responsible for lifting the flapper and initiating the flush. A malfunctioning flush lever can cause the flapper to remain open, allowing water to continuously flow into the bowl.

1. Check the flush lever and its connection to the flapper chain, ensuring that it's secure and properly adjusted. Look for any signs of wear or damage, such as a bent or broken lever.
2. If the flush lever is damaged, turn off the water supply to the toilet and remove the tank lid. Unscrew the nut securing the flush lever to the tank and remove the old lever. Install a new flush lever, following the manufacturer's instructions, and reconnect the flapper chain.

5. Test the Toilet

After making the necessary adjustments or replacements, test the toilet by flushing it multiple times. Listen for any running water and observe the water level in the tank. Ensure that the flapper is sealing properly, and the water level in the tank is at the correct height.

If the problem persists, double-check your adjustments and the condition of the toilet components mentioned above.

Preventing a Running Toilet?

Regular maintenance and thorough inspections are key to preventing running toilets and extending the lifespan of your bathroom fixtures.

Schedule periodic checks of the components inside the toilet tank (which you now know how to do). This includes checking the flapper, fill valve, and float for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion.

Make necessary adjustments and replace parts as needed. Additionally, clean the tank and its components to remove any buildup or debris that could make your toilet run poorly.

Familiarizing yourself with the toilet's mechanics and scheduling regular maintenance can save you time and money on costly repairs.

How Much Water Can I Save by Fixing a Running Toilet?

Fixing a running toilet can result in significant water savings and a reduction in your utility bills. A continuously running toilet can waste an astonishing 200 gallons of water per day, which amounts to over 6,000 gallons per month!

By addressing the issues behind your running toilet, you not only conserve water, but also save a substantial amount of money on your water bill. Furthermore, responsible water usage contributes to environmental conservation efforts and can help alleviate pressure on local water supply systems.

I hope with the above tips you can fix any running toilet in your house and save yourself from a costly water bill.

You can find more helful plumbing tips (that you can do yourself) in this article.