Step-by-Step Instructions to Repair a Running Toilet

Wasted water and increased utility costs are common results of a running toilet, which is a typical problem in most homes. Lucky for us, fixing a running toilet isn’t exactly rocket science, and most people can do it themselves. In most cases, the flush valve, fill valve, or flapper—internal parts of the toilet—are the source of the problem. You can repair a running toilet and get it working like new again by finding out what’s causing it and then following some simple procedures. This guide will help you diagnose and fix any problem with your toilet, whether it runs continuously or refills occasionally.

Common reasons for a toilet to run continuously

There are several common issues that might cause a toilet to run continuously:

Improperly Adjusted Fill Level

If you don’t adjust the fill level properly, the toilet may run. Typically, a lever or screw on the fill valve helps to modify it.

When there is sediment debris in the tank, it can hinder the fills or flappers’ ability to seal properly, causing the system to run continuously.

Faulty Fill Valve

When flushing, the fill valve determines how much water goes into the tank. If it’s not working well, water can keep flowing into the tank, which means the toilet will run continuously.

Chain Issues

There can be a problem with the flapper valve not closing properly due to a chain that is either too short or twisted.

Float Issues

The float regulates the tank’s water level. The water level can climb above the overflow tube and continue to pour into the bowl if it’s not functioning properly or if the setting is too high.

Worn-out Seals or Gaskets

As time passes, leaks can develop around the tank bolts, flush valve, or fill valve, which can cause the toilet to run.

Flapper Valve Problems

When you flush, the rubber seal at the base of the tank, called the flapper, raises, allowing water to flow into the bowl. The toilet will run when water leaks into the bowl due to wear and tear, damage, or improper sitting.

Overflow Tube Problems

A constantly running toilet is the result of water accumulating in the tank and overflowing into the overflow tube.

Fixing these problems typically involves making a few simple changes or replacing the defective parts.

How to diagnose the issue

If your toilet is running continually, there are a few things you may check to find out why. This is a detailed guide:

1. Inspect the Flapper Valve

• If the flapper is damaged, bent, or worn, you should replace it.
• Look under the toilet tank, and you’ll see a rubber valve called a flapper. To access it, lift the lid.
• Pressing down on the flapper is a reliable way to test. If the running stops, the flapper is likely the culprit.
• If the flapper doesn’t close properly, the water will continue to flow into the bowl from the tank.
•  The water in the toilet bowl is always running.

2. Check the Float

• Set the float so that the water stops approximately one inch below the overflow tube’s top.
• The float’s height can be changed. This is accomplished by twisting the float arm or turning a screw on the fill valve, depending on the model of the toilet.
• The float regulates the tank’s water level. The overflow tube will be filled with water.
• Water runs into the overflow tube, so the toilet keeps filling up.

3. Check the Fill Valve

• A constant flow of water enters the bowl or tank.
• To regulate the amount of water that goes into the tank, use the fill valve. If it is defective, it may not turn off correctly.
• Keep an eye on whether the water flow continues even when the float is raised to its highest level.
• If the fill valve isn’t working, get a new one.

4. Inspect the Overflow Tube

• The overflow tube becomes a source of water spillage.
• To avoid the tank being overfilled, the overflow tube is installed. If the water level is excessively high, the toilet may run.
• Verify that the fill valve is set to shut off before the water reaches the overflow tube’s top.
• Fill the tank to a level below the overflow tube by adjusting the float or fill valve.

5. Check for Leaks

• The fill valve will continually refill the tank as the water level decreases.
• Look for any leakage near the fill valve’s base or flapper.
• Make sure the tank-to-bowl gasket doesn’t leak.
• Get new ones if they get broken or worn.

6. Test the Water Pressure

• When the water pressure is too high, water keeps pouring into the toilet.
• The fill valve could not work properly if the water pressure is too high.
• When the pressure gets too high, it’s a beneficial idea to add a pressure regulator.
• If the fill valve is pressure sensitive, either fix it or get a new one.

Finding the source of your running toilet and repair it should be possible after you carefully inspect each of these parts.

Tools and materials required for the repair

Depending on the cause of the running toilet (an issue with the fill valve, a broken flapper, etc.), you may require a variety of equipment and materials to fix the problem. The following is an overview:

Tools:

Utility Knife

• A utility knife can help to cut and shape components as needed, such as a replacement fill tube.

Towel or Bucket

• During the repair, you may need a bucket or towel to collect any water that may spill.

Pliers

• It is useful to reach hard-to-reach areas and turn them with one hand.

Tape Measure

• If you need to replace any parts, you can use a tape measure to determine their exact dimensions.

Screwdrivers (both Phillips and flathead)

• To remove the fill valve and flapper, among other components.

Adjustable Wrench

• Adjust the tightness of bolts and nuts.

Materials:

Fill Valve Replacement Kit

• It may be necessary to replace the fill valve if it is malfunctioning.

Teflon Tape

• To avoid leaks, use Teflon tape to seal threaded connections.

Toilet Tank Ball

• For older toilets that require a new ballcock valve,

Float Replacement

• The fill valve float must be in excellent working order.

Toilet Fill Tube

• If there is a problem with the toilet tank refill tube, it may be necessary to replace it.

Silicone Grease

• To keep seals and moving parts from sticking,.

Water Supply Line

• If the water supply line to the toilet is damaged or leaking, you will need to fix it.

Flush Valve Seal

• In the event that the flush valve’s seal is broken,.

Replacement Flapper

• If the flapper is damaged or does not seal correctly, the toilet may run.

Food Coloring (optional)

• To check for flapper or other component leakage.

Step-by-step instructions on how to repair a running toilet

Identify the Issue

• Lift the lid of the toilet tank and look at the flapper. If the bowl isn’t sealed correctly, it will keep letting water into the bowl if it isn’t sealing correctly.
• When the water level in the tank exceeds the overflow tube, it could be an indication that the fill valve is malfunctioning.
• Verify that the float is set correctly. Because water overflows into the tube, it keeps filling the tank if it’s set too high.

Turn Off the Water Supply

• You can find the shut-off valve on the floor or behind the toilet.
• To turn off the toilet’s water supply, turn the valve counterclockwise.

Drain the Tank

• To get the most water out of the tank, hold down the flush handle.
• When the tank is empty, use a sponge or cloth to soak up any excess water.

Replace the flapper (if necessary).

• Take the chain from the flush handle and free the flapper from the overflow tube’s pegs.
• Reconnect the chain to the flush handle, then attach the new flapper to the pegs. To avoid tangles, make sure the chain is long enough to let the flapper close all the way without being too loose.

Adjust or replace the fill valve (if necessary)

• To lower the float, you must first raise the water level. To change the height of some floats, you spin a screw; to change the height of others, you bend the float arm.
• Changing the float may not fix the problem; replace the fill valve. The water supply line should be disconnected from the fill valve base, the old valve removed, and a new valve installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Turn On the Water Supply

• To get the water running again in the toilet, slowly turn the shut-off valve counterclockwise.
• In the meantime, keep an eye out for leaks in the toilet and let the tank fill up.

Test the Toilet

• Check that the fill valve closes at the right water level and that the flapper seals correctly.
• If the toilet continues to run, keep adjusting the fill valve or flapper as necessary.

Replace the flush valve (if necessary)

• Check the flush valve to see if the water pressure remains low after you’ve changed the fill valve and flapper. For the replacement process, you must first disconnect the tank from the bowl.
• To install the replacement flush valve, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the water is turned back on and the tank is back in the bowl.

Final Check

• Verify that the toilet fills up correctly and turns off before continuing.
• After you are pleased with the repair, put the tank lid back on.

For the majority of leaking toilets, this should work!

Conclusion

A plumber should be considered in the event that you discover more complicated problems, such as a broken flush valve or a more serious interior issue.