How to Fix a Running Toilet

Introduction

A running toilet can waste a significant amount of water and increase your utility bills. Fortunately, fixing it is often straightforward and can be accomplished with a few basic tools. This guide will walk you through identifying and resolving the issues causing your toilet to run continuously.

Step 1: Identify the Cause of the Leak

Before making any repairs, determine whether the issue lies with the fill valve or the flapper.

• Fill Valve Check:

  • Remove the toilet tank lid and place it safely aside.
  • Observe if water runs constantly into the tank and overflows into the overflow tube. If so, the fill valve may need adjustment or replacement.

• Flapper Check:

  • If water runs intermittently but doesn’t flow into the overflow, the flapper is likely the problem.

Step 2: Adjust or Replace the Fill Valve

If the fill valve is the issue, you can adjust or replace it.

1. Adjustment:

   • Lift the float cup. If the water flow stops, the float may need adjustment.
   • For modern fill valves with a spline, turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise to lower the float cup and water level.

2. Replacement (if adjustment doesn’t work):

   • Turn off the water supply at the stop valve behind the toilet.
   • Flush the tank to drain as much water as possible. Use a shop vac to remove any excess.
   • Place a bowl under the valve to catch remaining water.
   • Loosen the supply nut at the bottom of the tank by turning it counterclockwise.
   • Use adjustable pliers to remove the fill valve retaining nut from the bottom of the tank, turning it counterclockwise.
   • Disconnect the fill tube from the overflow and lift the fill valve out of the tank.
   • Install the new fill valve:
     • Place a rubber washer on the bottom of the new fill valve assembly with the cone facing down.
     • Secure the valve in the tank with the retaining nut, tightening carefully with pliers.
     • Reattach the supply line nut and hand tighten.
     • Connect the fill valve tube to the holder over the overflow tube.
   • Turn the water back on at the stop valve.

Step 3: Replace the Flapper

If the flapper is the source of the leak, follow these steps:

1. Turn Off Water Supply:

   • Shut off the water supply at the shutoff valve.

2. Remove the Old Flapper:

   • Reach into the toilet tank and gently pull the flapper off the two studs on either side of the flush valve.
   • Disconnect the chain from the flush handle lever.

3. Install the New Flapper:

   • Thread the holes on each side of the new flapper over the two studs.
   • Attach the chain to the flush handle lever, ensuring it isn’t pulling open the flapper.

4. Test the Installation:

   • Turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet to check for leaks.
   • Adjust the chain length if necessary to ensure the flapper seats properly.

5. Replace the Tank Lid:

   • Once everything is working correctly, replace the toilet tank lid.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can easily fix a running toilet, saving water and reducing your utility bills. Whether adjusting the fill valve or replacing the flapper, these straightforward repairs can often be completed without the need for a plumber. If problems persist after these steps, consider consulting a professional for further assistance.