If you’ve recently had problems with your toilet continuously running after flushing, you may be wondering if — and if so, how — you can fix it on your own. After all, if your toilet keeps running, it can result in higher utility bills. This can also have a negative impact on the environment in the longer term.
Thankfully, most of the time, fixing a running toilet is so easy that you can do it by yourself. To help you get started, we’ve created this complete step-by-step guide on how to fix a running toilet.
Adjust the flapper
The first thing you should check when fixing a running toilet is the flapper.
When you hear that your toilet is running when you haven’t just flushed, first take the lid off the tank. The flapper is the piece covering the hole in the bottom of the tank. Press it down to test whether or not it is working.
If the running stops when the flapper is pressed down, it means that it’s no longer sealing properly. This allows the water to continuously flow, leaving the toilet running in order to keep the tank full.
Thankfully, this is an easy fix — you can usually buy a new flapper at most hardware and general stores. To install it, follow the directions included in the package.
Adjust the flapper chain
If the flapper is the problem, then you may also want to check on the flapper chain. This is the part inside of the toilet’s tank that connects the flapper to the lever that helps flush your toilet.
After installing your new flapper, you’ll want to rehook the flapper chain. There should be some slack in the chain when properly installed, allowing for movement during flushing.
Check the fill tube
If your problem is stemming from the fill tube, it can be a bit more difficult to replace — however, this is still nothing that’s too challenging to do on your own.
To see if the fill tube is the problem, you’ll want to remove the lid from your toilet’s tank and flush. If the fill valve has a leak, you’ll see the trickle or spray of water coming out. Oftentimes, this can be fixed by adjusting the float arm.
Adjust the float
Fixing the float arm can be easy and usually doesn’t require any sort of tools. All you need to do is adjust or bend the float until the water stops around one inch below the top of the overflow pipe. However, if you’ve adjusted the float arm and the fill valve is still leaking, you’ll need to replace the fill valve.
Replace the fill valve
Replacing the fill valve will be the most difficult job. However, it is still possible to do it on your own.
To replace it, you’ll want to turn off your water supply and remove all water from the tank. Then, you’ll need to disconnect the water supply line, unscrew the fill valve lock nut and lift out the old fill valve. From here, you’ll want to install the new valve, according to the instructions included in your purchase.
Final Thoughts
While most of the time fixing a running toilet can be easy, there are times when it can be a sign of a larger toilet plumbing issue. If these steps don’t fix your toilet, you may want to consider leaving the job to the professionals.
Here at Miles Plumbing Services, our team of professionally trained plumbers is dedicated to helping you with all your plumbing needs — including a toilet that keeps running. To book an appointment today, contact us through our website or call us at 250-361-4488.