A constantly running toilet is not only an annoying waste of water, but it also contributes to higher water bills. Fortunately, this common household problem is usually easy to fix yourself without calling in a plumber.
It could be as simple as a chain that is too long or a flapper that doesn’t seal properly. Here are some quick steps to help you find and fix the problem:
Check the Water Level
A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day and raise your water bill. It can also cause costly damage to your hardwood floors, carpet, and tile. It’s important to fix the problem as quickly as possible.
The first thing to check is the water level in the tank. The water should be about an inch below the overflow tube. If it’s lower, you may need to adjust the float arm or float cup. If it’s higher, you may need to adjust the float rod or float ball.
To do this, remove the lid from the tank and set it aside on a flat surface like a table. Be careful not to drop the lid, as it’s usually made of ceramic and can break easily. If you’re worried about breaking the handle or lid, you can buy a replacement at any home improvement store.
Next, examine the inside of the tank for signs of a leak or a malfunctioning part. If the water is constantly flowing into the overflow tube, then it could be caused by a damaged flapper or fill valve. If the water level is too high, then it might be caused by a broken float arm or float cup. You can adjust the float rod or float cup by loosening or tightening the screw that attaches it to the valve. This will allow you to adjust the rise of the float arm up or down, controlling how much water is in your toilet tank.
You can also adjust the float chain by loosening or tightening the bolt that connects it to the float arm. This will let you make it longer or shorter to control how much the float arm moves up or down. A short chain can prevent the flapper seal from closing properly, while a long one can get in the way of the seal and keep it open. Once you’ve adjusted the float and chain, you can reconnect the water supply line and turn on the water. If you’re still noticing a running toilet, contact a professional plumber to have the issue fixed.
Check the Flapper
The flapper on your toilet tank is a rubber piece that flips open when the flush handle is used and then slowly lowers back down over the flush valve to stop water flow into the bowl. Over time, this can break down or become misaligned and prevent it from creating a proper seal. When this happens, your toilet will run continuously and waste gallons of water.
To check the condition of your flapper, first shut off your water supply (there is a knob on the wall behind your toilet that connects to your water line). Next, remove the lid from your toilet tank and reach inside to feel the flapper. If it’s soft and pliable, it’s probably good to go; however, if the flapper feels stiff or brittle, it may need to be replaced.
It’s also possible that the flapper isn’t sealing because of sediment build-up or rust. If this is the case, you can try to fix it by turning off your water supply again and draining your toilet tank. This will allow you to inspect and clean the flapper. Once the tank is empty, you can use a paper towel or sponge to scrub the flapper to make sure it’s completely clean and then reopen the waterline, refill the toilet, and test it with your food coloring test again.
If the test passes, it’s likely that the problem is with your fill valve. If the float is set too high, it will constantly drain water from the toilet’s tank into the overflow tube. To fix this, you’ll need to turn off the water and find a way to lower the float height, which can be difficult depending on the type of fill valve. If yours has a screw or nut that can be turned, you’ll need to use a wrench to loosen it. Otherwise, you’ll need to replace the entire fill valve assembly. You can usually purchase a one-size-fits-most replacement at a home improvement store and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install it, or have experts like the Fremont plumbers handle it.
Check the Chain
A constantly running toilet is not only a huge nuisance that can keep you awake at night with the constant flow of water, but it’s also a major waste of money and energy. All that wasted water will end up on your next water bill, costing you hundreds of dollars or more.
Thankfully, most running toilets are easy to fix without calling in the pros. By following these simple steps, you can troubleshoot the problem and find the culprit within a few minutes. Then, you can save yourself some cash and some peace and quiet at home.
First, check the flapper for any signs of cracking or wear and tear. If it’s not cracked or worn, then it may simply be hung up on something inside the tank. Using a bit of soap and water, wash the flapper to remove any hard water deposits that have built up over time.
Then, check the chain that runs from the handle to the flapper. If it’s too short, it can prevent the flapper from closing properly. It can also get tangled up in things, which can cause it to stay open and allow water to continue flowing into the toilet. To fix this, just adjust the chain so that it’s about an inch long.
Finally, check the float and refill tube to make sure they are working correctly. If they are not, the tank might fill up too quickly. This is due to high water pressure in your home or a faulty fill valve. This issue is usually easily fixed by adjusting the float or the refill tube.
If these steps don’t help, then it may be time to call a professional plumber. A plumbing technician can diagnose the problem and provide you with expert advice and a professional repair solution. However, if you follow these troubleshooting tips, you can probably solve the problem yourself and save some money in the process. Then, you can sit back and enjoy your peaceful toilet again!
Check the Fill Valve
Sometimes a toilet can run constantly, wasting gallons of water and increasing your water bill. It can also cause serious damage to your bathroom, especially if it isn’t stopped in time. The problem may be caused by a worn or warped flapper valve that isn’t sealing properly, a chain that’s too long or too short, or a fill valve that is faulty. Fortunately, most of these problems are easy to fix with simple tools and quick steps.
The fill valve is responsible for refilling the tank after a flush. It should shut off when the overflow tube is full, but if it keeps filling and spilling into the tube, the water level in the tank may be too high. To check for this, first shut off the water supply to your toilet by turning the water shut-off valve located under or behind it. Next, flush the toilet and drain out as much of the water in the tank as you can. Using a towel, cloth, or sponge, soak up the remaining water in the tank. Finally, turn the water back on and flush again to empty the rest of the tank.
Locate the fill valve assembly in the tank and open it by unscrewing the locking nut on the bottom of the tank with a set of channel locks or pliers. Remove the old fill valve and put a new one in place. Make sure the height of the new fill valve is correct by consulting the instructions that came with it or your local hardware store. Reconnect the water supply line and turn your toilet back on.
These simple steps can help you stop a running toilet, saving you hundreds of dollars in water and potential damage while also making your home more comfortable. If you still have trouble, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber. A licensed and insured plumber will be able to assess the situation and provide you with a solution. They will also be able to recommend other ways to save water in your home, such as replacing your toilet tank.
