Toilet troubles can be a real pain. A running toilet wastes water, which is bad for the environment and your wallet. It can also be disruptive to your sleep or concentration if it's constantly making noise. Luckily, fixing a running toilet is often a relatively simple job that you can do yourself with a few tools and a little know-how.
In this article, we'll walk you through the steps on how to fix a running toilet. We'll cover everything from identifying the problem to making the necessary repairs. So grab your tools and let's get started!
Before you begin, it's important to gather the necessary tools and materials. You'll need:
How to Fix a Running Toilet
Follow these steps to fix a running toilet:
- Identify the problem.
- Check the flapper.
- Adjust the fill valve.
- Replace the flush valve.
- Inspect the overflow tube.
- Tighten the supply line.
- Replace the toilet bowl gasket.
- Call a plumber.
If you're uncomfortable with any of these steps, it's always best to call a plumber.
Identify the problem.
The first step in fixing a running toilet is to identify the problem. There are a few common causes of running toilets, including:
- Flapper valve: The flapper valve is a rubber seal that sits at the bottom of the toilet tank. When you flush the toilet, the flapper valve lifts up to allow water to flow from the tank into the bowl. If the flapper valve is worn or damaged, it can cause the toilet to run continuously.
- Fill valve: The fill valve is a valve that controls the flow of water into the toilet tank. If the fill valve is defective, it can cause the tank to overfill, which can lead to a running toilet.
- Overflow tube: The overflow tube is a tube that allows excess water to drain from the toilet tank. If the overflow tube is clogged or blocked, it can cause the tank to overflow and the toilet to run.
- Flush valve: The flush valve is the valve that opens and closes to release water from the toilet tank into the bowl. If the flush valve is worn or damaged, it can cause the toilet to run continuously.
Once you've identified the problem, you can start to make the necessary repairs.
Check the flapper.
The flapper valve is a rubber seal that sits at the bottom of the toilet tank. When you flush the toilet, the flapper valve lifts up to allow water to flow from the tank into the bowl. If the flapper valve is worn or damaged, it can cause the toilet to run continuously.
To check the flapper valve, simply lift it up and inspect it for signs of wear or damage. If the flapper valve is cracked, torn, or warped, it will need to be replaced.
To replace the flapper valve, first turn off the water supply to the toilet. Then, flush the toilet to drain the tank. Once the tank is empty, you can remove the old flapper valve by unhooking it from the overflow tube. Be careful not to drop the flapper valve into the toilet bowl.
Once the old flapper valve is removed, you can install the new flapper valve by hooking it onto the overflow tube. Make sure that the flapper valve is properly seated and that it forms a tight seal against the toilet tank.
Once you've replaced the flapper valve, turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet to test it. If the toilet no longer runs, you've successfully fixed the problem.
Pro tip: You can also adjust the flapper valve chain to improve the flush performance of your toilet. If the chain is too long, the flapper valve may not seal properly, which can cause the toilet to run. If the chain is too short, the flapper valve may not lift up high enough to allow enough water to flow into the bowl, which can also cause the toilet to run.
Adjust the fill valve.
The fill valve is a valve that controls the flow of water into the toilet tank. If the fill valve is defective, it can cause the tank to overfill, which can lead to a running toilet.
- Check the water level. The water level in the toilet tank should be about one inch below the overflow tube. If the water level is too high, it can cause the toilet to run.
- Adjust the fill valve screw. There is a screw on the fill valve that controls the water level. To adjust the water level, simply turn the screw clockwise to lower the water level or counterclockwise to raise the water level.
- Replace the fill valve. If the fill valve is defective, it will need to be replaced. To replace the fill valve, first turn off the water supply to the toilet. Then, flush the toilet to drain the tank. Once the tank is empty, you can remove the old fill valve by unhooking it from the water supply line and the overflow tube. Be careful not to drop the fill valve into the toilet bowl.
- Install the new fill valve. Once the old fill valve is removed, you can install the new fill valve by hooking it up to the water supply line and the overflow tube. Make sure that the fill valve is properly seated and that it forms a tight seal.
Once you've adjusted or replaced the fill valve, turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet to test it. If the toilet no longer runs, you've successfully fixed the problem.
Replace the flush valve.
The flush valve is the valve that opens and closes to release water from the toilet tank into the bowl. If the flush valve is worn or damaged, it can cause the toilet to run continuously.
- Remove the old flush valve. To remove the old flush valve, first turn off the water supply to the toilet. Then, flush the toilet to drain the tank. Once the tank is empty, you can remove the old flush valve by unbolting it from the toilet bowl. Be careful not to drop the flush valve into the toilet bowl.
- Install the new flush valve. Once the old flush valve is removed, you can install the new flush valve by bolting it to the toilet bowl. Make sure that the flush valve is properly seated and that it forms a tight seal.
- Adjust the flush valve. Once the new flush valve is installed, you may need to adjust it to ensure that it flushes properly. There is usually a screw on the flush valve that you can turn to adjust the water flow. You can also adjust the height of the flush valve by moving the flapper valve up or down.
- Test the flush valve. Once you've adjusted the flush valve, turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet to test it. If the toilet no longer runs, you've successfully fixed the problem.
Pro tip: If you're not comfortable replacing the flush valve yourself, you can call a plumber to do it for you.
Inspect the overflow tube.
The overflow tube is a tube that allows excess water to drain from the toilet tank. If the overflow tube is clogged or blocked, it can cause the tank to overflow and the toilet to run.
- Check the overflow tube for clogs. To check the overflow tube for clogs, simply look down the tube and see if there is anything blocking it. If you see any debris, such as hair or soap scum, you can use a wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake to remove it.
- Flush the overflow tube. Once you've removed any clogs from the overflow tube, you can flush the tube to make sure that it is clear. To flush the overflow tube, simply pour a bucket of water down the tube.
- Replace the overflow tube. If the overflow tube is damaged or cracked, it will need to be replaced. To replace the overflow tube, first turn off the water supply to the toilet. Then, flush the toilet to drain the tank. Once the tank is empty, you can remove the old overflow tube by unhooking it from the toilet tank and the drainpipe. Be careful not to drop the overflow tube into the toilet bowl.
- Install the new overflow tube. Once the old overflow tube is removed, you can install the new overflow tube by hooking it up to the toilet tank and the drainpipe. Make sure that the overflow tube is properly seated and that it forms a tight seal.
Once you've inspected or replaced the overflow tube, turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet to test it. If the toilet no longer runs, you've successfully fixed the problem.
Tighten the supply line.
The supply line is the pipe that connects the toilet to the water supply. If the supply line is loose or damaged, it can leak water and cause the toilet to run.
To tighten the supply line, simply use a wrench to turn the nuts on the supply line until they are snug. Be careful not to overtighten the nuts, as this could damage the supply line.
If the supply line is damaged, you will need to replace it. To replace the supply line, first turn off the water supply to the toilet. Then, disconnect the old supply line by unscrewing the nuts on the supply line. Be careful not to drop the nuts into the toilet bowl.
Once the old supply line is disconnected, you can install the new supply line by screwing the nuts onto the supply line until they are snug. Make sure that the new supply line is properly seated and that it forms a tight seal.
Once you've tightened or replaced the supply line, turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet to test it. If the toilet no longer runs, you've successfully fixed the problem.
Pro tip: If you're not comfortable tightening or replacing the supply line yourself, you can call a plumber to do it for you.
Replace the toilet bowl gasket.
The toilet bowl gasket is a seal that sits between the toilet bowl and the toilet tank. If the toilet bowl gasket is worn or damaged, it can leak water and cause the toilet to run.
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
- Flush the toilet to drain the tank.
- Disconnect the water supply line from the toilet tank.
- Remove the nuts that hold the toilet tank to the toilet bowl.
- Carefully lift the toilet tank off of the toilet bowl.
- Remove the old toilet bowl gasket.
- Clean the mating surfaces of the toilet bowl and the toilet tank.
- Apply a bead of silicone sealant to the mating surface of the toilet bowl.
- Place the new toilet bowl gasket on the toilet bowl.
- Carefully lower the toilet tank onto the toilet bowl.
- Replace the nuts that hold the toilet tank to the toilet bowl.
- Reconnect the water supply line to the toilet tank.
- Turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet to test it.
Pro tip: If you're not comfortable replacing the toilet bowl gasket yourself, you can call a plumber to do it for you.
Call a plumber.
If you've tried all of the above steps and you're still having trouble fixing your running toilet, it's time to call a plumber.
- Look for a plumber who is licensed and insured.
- Get a few estimates from different plumbers before you make a decision.
- Be prepared to explain the problem to the plumber in detail.
- Be available to let the plumber into your home.
Once the plumber arrives, they will inspect your toilet and determine the cause of the problem. They will then make the necessary repairs to fix the running toilet.
Pro tip: If you have a home warranty, your toilet may be covered. Be sure to check your policy to see if you're covered before you call a plumber.
FAQ
Introduction Paragraph for FAQ:
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to fix a running toilet:
Question 1: What is the most common cause of a running toilet?
Answer 1: The most common cause of a running toilet is a worn or damaged flapper valve.
Question 2: How can I tell if the flapper valve is worn or damaged?
Answer 2: You can check the flapper valve by lifting it up and inspecting it for signs of wear or damage. If the flapper valve is cracked, torn, or warped, it will need to be replaced.
Question 3: How do I adjust the fill valve?
Answer 3: You can adjust the fill valve by turning the screw on the fill valve. To lower the water level, turn the screw clockwise. To raise the water level, turn the screw counterclockwise.
Question 4: How do I replace the flush valve?
Answer 4: To replace the flush valve, first turn off the water supply to the toilet. Then, flush the toilet to drain the tank. Once the tank is empty, you can remove the old flush valve by unbolting it from the toilet bowl. Be careful not to drop the flush valve into the toilet bowl.
Question 5: How do I inspect the overflow tube?
Answer 5: To inspect the overflow tube, simply look down the tube and see if there is anything blocking it. If you see any debris, such as hair or soap scum, you can use a wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake to remove it.
Question 6: How do I tighten the supply line?
Answer 6: To tighten the supply line, simply use a wrench to turn the nuts on the supply line until they are snug. Be careful not to overtighten the nuts, as this could damage the supply line.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about how to fix a running toilet. If you have any other questions, be sure to consult a qualified plumber.
Transition paragraph:
In addition to the steps outlined above, there are a few other things you can do to keep your toilet running smoothly:
Tips
Introduction Paragraph for Tips:
Here are a few tips to help keep your toilet running smoothly:
Tip 1: Flush the toilet regularly.
Even if you're not using the toilet, it's a good idea to flush it at least once a day. This will help to prevent waste from building up in the toilet bowl and causing clogs.
Tip 2: Don't put anything down the toilet except toilet paper.
Flushing anything other than toilet paper can clog your toilet and cause it to run. This includes feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, and paper towels.
Tip 3: Keep the toilet bowl clean.
A dirty toilet bowl can harbor bacteria and cause unpleasant odors. To keep the toilet bowl clean, scrub it with a toilet brush and a mild cleanser at least once a week.
Tip 4: Inspect the toilet for leaks regularly.
A leaky toilet can waste water and money. To inspect the toilet for leaks, put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the food coloring appears in the toilet bowl within a few minutes, you have a leak.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can help to keep your toilet running smoothly and prevent costly repairs.
Transition paragraph:
If you're having trouble fixing a running toilet, don't hesitate to call a qualified plumber. A plumber can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs to get your toilet running properly again.
Conclusion
Summary of Main Points:
A running toilet is a common problem that can waste water and money. Fortunately, it is often a relatively simple problem to fix. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can troubleshoot the problem and make the necessary repairs to get your toilet running properly again.
Closing Message:
If you're not comfortable making the repairs yourself, don't hesitate to call a qualified plumber. A plumber can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs to get your toilet running properly again.
Remember, a running toilet is a problem that should be fixed as soon as possible. By taking action to fix a running toilet, you can save water and money, and help to keep your bathroom clean and sanitary.