Common Causes of a Running Toilet and How to Fix Them

A running toilet is a common plumbing problem that can be fixed easily with some basic knowledge and tools. Not only is it annoying to listen to the constant sound of running water, but it can also hike up your water bill if left unfixed.

Let’s detail the common reasons for a running toilet and how to fix them.

You can explore our Toilet Parts Diagram for a clear breakdown of how toilets are assembled.

Check the Flapper

The flapper is a rubber valve at the bottom of the toilet tank that opens and closes to release water into the bowl during flushing. It is connected to the flush lever by a chain or a rod. A faulty flapper can cause a running toilet by not creating a tight enough seal, thereby allowing water to continuously flow into the bowl.  Follow these steps:

  • Turn off the water supply to the toilet. You need to turn the shut-off valve clockwise.
  • Flush the toilet in order to drain the tank completely.
  • Remove the old flapper by unhooking it from the flush lever and pulling it off its pegs.
  • Take the old flapper to the hardware store to purchase a new one of the same size and shape.
  • Install the new flapper by hooking it onto the flush lever and slipping the pegs into the corresponding slots in the tank.
  • Turn on the water supply, then let the tank refill. Test that the flapper is working by flushing the toilet and checking if it seals properly.

Adjust the Chain or Rod

Sometimes the chain or rod that connects the flush lever to the flapper can become too loose or too tight, leading to a running toilet. If the chain is too loose, it won’t pull the flapper up high enough, causing water to continuously leak into the bowl. If the chain is too tight, it won’t allow the flapper to close tightly and could also cause a leak. Follow these steps:

  • Turn off the water supply to the toilet. You need to turn the shut-off valve clockwise.
  • Flush the toilet in order to drain the tank completely.
  • Check the chain or rod to see if it is too loose or too tight.
  • Adjust the length of the chain or rod by using pliers to loosen or tighten the connecting clip or nut.
  • Turn on the water supply, then let the tank refill. Test that the flapper is working by flushing the toilet and checking if it seals properly.

Replace the Fill Valve

The fill valve is responsible for refilling the toilet tank after flushing. If the fill valve is faulty, it may not shut off once the tank is full, causing water to run continuously into the overflow tube and down the drain. Follow these steps:

  • Turn off the water supply to the toilet. You need to turn the shut-off valve clockwise.
  • Flush the toilet in order to drain the tank completely.
  • Remove the old fill valve by unscrewing the locknut and lifting it out of the tank.
  • Take the old fill valve to the hardware store to purchase a new one of the same size and shape.
  • Install the new fill valve by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Most fill valves require only a few simple steps.
  • Turn on the water supply, then let the tank refill. Test that the fill valve is working properly by flushing the toilet and checking that it shuts off once the tank is full.

Clean the Tank

Over time, the tank can become clogged with sediment and mineral deposits that prevent the float ball or fill valve from working properly, resulting in a running toilet. Follow these steps:

  • Turn off the water supply to the toilet. You need to turn the shut-off valve clockwise.
  • Flush the toilet to drain some of the water from the tank.
  • Pour a cup of white vinegar into the tank and let it sit for several hours or overnight.
  • Scrub the inside of the tank with a toilet brush to loosen any deposits.
  • Turn on the water supply, then let the tank refill. Test that the toilet is working properly by flushing the toilet and checking for leaks.

A running toilet can be a frustrating and costly problem, but with these simple steps, you can fix it within a few hours. Always remember to turn off the water supply before attempting any repairs. With some basic knowledge and tools, you can save money on your water bill and avoid the headache of a constantly running toilet.

Contact Lifetime Plumbing and get your running toilet solved.

If you tried to fix it but you were not successful, you can always contact Lifetime Plumbing, your licensed plumber in Chicago.

Lifetime plumbers can also help with emergency plumbing, commercial plumbing, residential plumbing, installing and repairing water heaters, fixing water leaks, gas leaks, drain cleaning and tankless water heater repair and installation.

 

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