How To Fix A Toilet That Keeps Running

Have A Toilet That Won't Stop Running?

Imagine the expense of water bills that you can incur from running toilets. Then think about the flooding that may result. These are reasons to learn how to fix a toilet that keeps running. Read on to know how to stop a toilet from running. This post will begin by considering the parts of a toilet and its flushing mechanism.

Then, it will look at the causes of running toilets, measures to prevent a toilet from running, and why you should fix leaky toilets promptly. Also, you will find out specific causes of leaky toilets and how to fix them. Finally, we will provide you with reasons to hire expert plumbers.

Parts Of A Toilet

The following are the different parts of a toilet.

• Handle or dual flush button
• Float
• Fill valves
• Overflow tube
• Toilet flappers/Toilet flush valve flapper
• Lift rods

Flushing Mechanism Of Running Toilets

Toilet flushing mechanisms vary depending on model and design. You need to understand toilet flushing mechanisms before starting toilet repairs. Usually, water passes through the flush valve to the toilet bowl when the flapper lifts. After that, the flapper closes when the cistern is empty. Thus, it forms a seal in the cistern until the next time you push the handle.

Water flows through the base of the toilet fill valve, which becomes active and brings water into the cistern. The refill tube moves to the overflow tube. Meanwhile, the float ball will rise with the rising level of the water in the cistern. Once the water reaches the fill line, the float ball will shut the valve off.

Causes Of Running Toilets

Now that you are familiarised with the parts of a toilet and the toilet flushing mechanism, you can learn about what causes a toilet to run. For instance, you may only need to adjust the float height or shorten the refill tube. The following faults can lead to constantly running toilets:

Bad flush valve flappers

Your mind can go to lousy valve flappers when considering the reasons your toilet keeps running. Toilet flappers can wear out due to being constantly submerged in water. It could also be due to mineral deposits. Furthermore, you can look for signs of wear and tear when checking for what is causing the toilet to have the constant running of water.

Lift rods that are out of line

The lift rod has to be above the flapper opening for your flushing mechanism to function correctly. Otherwise, the flapper will not go down completely, and the water will not stop running. The cistern water level will become too high, causing water to go into the overflow tube. The lower your float gets, the lower the water level.

A water-logged float

The water inside the float can make it sit in the water at a level lower than usual. Thus, the float valve becomes open. If your toilet stops running, find out whether this is the issue.

A fill valve needing replacement or cleaning

The float may not rise with the rising water in the toilet cistern. Also, the valve may be leaking, so replacing the fill valve may help in these situations.

The refill tube needs to be shortened

If the refill tube is too long and no longer adequately positioned in the overflow tube, it will keep pumping water into the bowl. In turn, this will cause a running toilet. To shorten the refill tube, pull it out of the overflow. Place it near the top of the overflow – it's opening – trim it off, and clip it to the side of the overflow tube.

Poorly connected flapper chain

The chain linking the flush lever and the flapper may be too long or too short. It may even be disconnected. Shake the flush lever to test for a slack chain connection.

A short chain leads to a continuous water leak into the toilet bowl because the flapper is not sealed. A loose chain will not open the flapper when you push the lever. In such a scenario, you need to cut off the excess chain.

How To Fix A Toilet That Keeps Running

Start by collecting the necessary tools and materials. These can include the following:

• Cutting pliers
• Rubber gloves
• Pliers flathead and crosshead
• Replacement fill valve washer (optional)
• Multi-bit screwdrivers
• Replacement toilet flappers (optional)
• Replacement fill valve

Follow the steps below to fix running toilets.

Step One: Turn off your water supply

You can find the shut-off valve close to the toilet. Turn it to the right, so the toilet does not refill after flushing.

Step Two: Check the fill valve/fill valve washer

Next, remove the tank lid. This will allow you to inspect and clean the fill valve washer/diaphragm. It is located above the fill valve. Remove it gently, then use warm soapy water to wash it. After that, you can replace it. A faulty fill valve can often result in your toilet running constantly.

Turn the adjusting screw to lower the float ball fill valve. This screw should be at the top of the valve. Reducing the float's height for a float cup fill valve also requires adjusting the screw. After that, flush the toilet, then refill the tank and check the water level. It should be an inch (2.5cm) below the top of the overflow tube.

The following are steps for replacing the fill valve:

• First, shut off the water supply.
• Then drain your tank – right to the bottom.
• Use an adjustable wrench to remove the lock nut that secures the fill valve to the toilet.
• Pull out the fill valve assembly from the water tank.
• Check local hardware store for a proper fill valve replacement.
• Install the new fill valve and reconnect your water supply line. Remember to tighten the nut securely.
• Finally, turn on the water supply. Observe the water level as the tank fills up. You can adjust the float height as needed.

Consider the following key points as you replace the fill valve:

• Taking pictures beforehand can help in reassembling the parts.
• Old or damaged toilet seals may need replacement.
• Call a professional if there is still a leak after turning on the water.

Step Three: Inspect the float arm and the lift rods

The float should not touch the side of the tank wall. Bend the float arm into the correct position or replace it.

Step Four: Examine the float and set the fill height

Note that too much water inside the tank is another common cause of running toilets. Overflow water leaks down into the bowl through an overflow tube. A hole in the float can cause it to fill up with water. Check for such a hole and correct the issue.

Adjust the float where necessary to reduce the water in the tank. The cistern's water level should be between 2.5cm and 5cm below the overflow pipe. When you lower the float height, you are adjusting the water level. Just turn the little adjustment screw at the top.

Toilets with float arms require you to loosen or tighten the screw. Toilets with a column float attached to a fill valve will need loosening of the clip, pushing the float down, and a general re-tightening.

Step Five: Check the toilet flappers

Normally, flappers open and close smoothly. So, inspect the flapper and find out whether this is the case. If necessary, adjust the flapper until it falls straight down. Toilet flappers are supposed to seal water in the tank. When flushing, a pulled-up flapper allows water to flow into the bowl.

After that, the flapper returns to re-seal the tank. A faulty flapper can make the toilet run intermittently. Again, shutting off the water supply is essential before continuing this step. Also, check that the flushing valve seal is in good condition. You may clean it to ensure it continues working as expected.

Old flappers may not seal properly, and that might allow water from the toilet tank to run constantly into the toilet bowl. Replace a faulty flapper with a universal one from the hardware store. Alternatively, use a model that is compatible with your toilet's brand. The other thing you can do is replace the entire toilet flush valve.

Before replacing the flapper:

• Remember to drain all water from the tank first.
• Simply shut off the water supply, then flush the toilet to drain all water.
• Call an expert plumber if the above steps do not suffice. The expert will check for other issues and perform needed repairs and maintenance.

How To Prevent A Toilet From Running

You don't have to wait until you have constantly running toilets. You can fix this issue by doing these two things:

• Clean the fill valve diaphragm if you hear strange sounds when the toilet cistern is filling water.
• Toilet runs for over 20 to 30 seconds after a flush can be a sign. Clean off debris and mineral deposits from the flush valve flapper and the seal.

Why Fix Leaky Toilets Promptly?

Leaky toilets waste up to 22 gallons (100L) of water per day. Again, imagine the impact this can have on your water bills.

Causes Of Leaky Toilets

Here are some possible causes of leaky toilets.

Failing valves

A flush valve controls water flow into the bowl when you flush your toilet. A fill valve controls the flow of water into the toilet tank. Damage to either valve could lead to water constantly running into the tank. If this fault occurs, replace the valve. You can easily get these valves individually or as part of repair kits.

Broken components

Wear and tear of components like flappers, chains, and float rods can make valves or seals not close fully. Rust and time can also affect metal components. Make sure parts are properly installed and aligned correctly in the tank. This can help prevent future leaks.

Loose handles

Innocuous as it seems, loose handles can allow water to flow continually into the tank. Your toilet flush handle can break off entirely and cause water to flow into the toilet bowl between flushes. Look for an overly tight or loose chain or even a bad mounting nut as causes of loose handles. You may adjust or replace flush handles entirely to stop toilet leaks.

Faulty sensors

Yes, even automated flushing components can cause running toilets. If you are using a "touchless," sensor-operated toilet, inspect its power supply, wiring, and sensors. Faulty sensors can make your toilet flush unnecessarily multiple times.

How To Fix A Leaking Toilet

Perhaps, you are wondering, can you try your hand at some home repairs before hiring a professional plumber? Well, you can give it a go. For instance, you can use the below steps to diagnose and fix a leaking toilet.

Check for signs of leakage

Leaks may appear as streaks of mineral build-up forming on toilet walls. There could also be constant running of water into the bowl after flushes. A third sign is when the toilet bowl's water level constantly changes.

Inspect the valves

The reason water is constantly leaking could be improperly sealed valves. Valves that do not close fully after flushing can leak water constantly. Inspect leaky toilets and look for failing valves. Again, it is possible to purchase valves on their own or as part of repair kits.

Inspect the handle and flushing mechanism

The toilet handle or components in the flushing mechanism may be broken or rusted. In turn, these can cause a toilet leak. Studies show that simply cleaning or replacing flush handles can resolve various issues. Also, replacing old O-rings can help reduce leaks.

O-rings connect flush assemblies to toilets. Ultimately, you may have to find a plumber to replace the toilet altogether if the above measures do not stop toilet leaks.

Reasons To Hire Expert Plumbers

After reading this guide on how to fix a toilet that keeps running, you may feel better informed. You now know the various parts of a toilet, the flushing mechanism, causes of running toilets, and measures to prevent running toilets. However, after flushing your toilet, you may still note that it does not stop running.

Likewise, you may wish to work on what makes your toilet drain slowly. You do not have to feel frustrated. There are competent plumbers who can handle toilet repairs. More to the point, they can handle various kinds of installations. This includes toilet seats and other toilet components. Yes, you can say bye-bye to complicated installation instructions.

Certified plumbers have the knowledge and experience to inspect your water line, diagnose the problem, and provide a lasting solution.