How to fix a running toilet? Running a toilet is one of the issues that you need to fix as soon as possible. People usually do not know how to resolve this issue and may get stuck in the issue. But, fortunately, fixing the running toilet is easier than you imagine. There are straightforward methods that you can use to fix the toilet keeps running issues. If you are also facing a running toilet issue, check out this post. Here are some quick fixes to resolve the issue.
Reasons that You Face Toilet Keeps Running Issue
- You may have to adjust the height of the float.
- There may be some issue with the flapper and you have to replace it.
- There is a need to shorten the length of the refill tube.
Tools Required
- Replacement Fill Valve.
- Cutting pliers. Rubber gloves.
- Toilet replacement parts.
- Multi-bit screwdriver.
How to Fix a Running Toilet
Here are some methods which help you get rid of runny toilets-
Method 1: Address the Problems with Flapper
One of the common reasons for facing a running toilet situation is issues with your flapper. It is a rubber seal that prevents the water from draining and stays in the bucket only. Whenever you flush the toilet, the chain present will pull up the water and the freshwater will fill up the bowl. To address and resolve the flapper issues, follow the steps mentioned below.
- The very first thing that you need to do is to turn off the water supply to the toilet.
- After this, you will have to use a towel and lay it out of your way. You can also place it in the corner. You will now have to hold any end of the lid of the toilet and pull the lid off.
- Next, you will have to place the lid on the towel that you have led. They can be broken easily so make sure to keep them in a safer place.
- Now, you will have to check the chain which pulls up the flapper. You may face the issue if the chain is short or long than needed.
- In case you notice that the tension is high on that chain, you will have to detach the hook and attach it at least two links above. It will help to loosen the chain and then you need to attach the hook and the lever.
- Other than this, if the chain is long, you will have to trim the chain to make it an appropriate size. After this, you will have to attach the hook to the flush lever again.
- Now, the next thing that you will have to do is to check the flapper. For this, you need to detach the flapper. Check if the open tube is present in the center. You will now have to check the flapper if there is any disintegration, discoloration, or mineral deposits.
- In case there is a mineral deposit, you will have to make sure to clean it. To do this, you can use vinegar. You will have to soak the flapper in vinegar for 30 minutes and then use a toothbrush to clean up all the dirt and buildup.
- When this is done, you will have to place the flapper back and attach all the pins.
- Now, you need to run the water again and listen to the sound. You can then check if the issue is resolved or not.
- Other than this, if you see that the flapper fails to seal properly even after cleaning, you need to buy a new one. Make sure to buy the same style of the flapper and fit it into the toilet.
- For this, you need to place it properly and then fit all the nuts.
- Now, turn on the water and then make sure that the issue is resolved.
Method 2: Checking the Fill Valve
In case you are not able to fix the running toilet issue by changing the flapper, there is a high chance that the issue is with the fill valve. You will then have to check if there is any leak and then place a new one. The process is further divided. You need to follow the steps in the same sequence to avoid errors.
Checking the Fill Valve
- To check the fill valve, you will have to flush your toilet and check if there is any leak.
- Next, you will have to lift the toilet float to check if there is any stoppage of water,
- You may have to adjust the float arm to prevent the tank from filling. Go it when the water level in the tank is just 1 inch below your overflowed pipe.
- Next, if you still notice the leak, you may have to replace the fill valve.
Replacing the Fill Valve
- For this, you need to disable the water supply temporarily. Now, you need to flush the whole water and use a sponge to remove the remaining in the tank.
- When done, you will have to disconnect the supply line of water and then loosen the fill valve locknut. You will now have to lift and remove the old fill valve.
Installing New Fill Valve
- Now, you will have to place the new fill valve in the correct location. For this, you can also use the manual. Tighten all the nuts.
- Next, you need to adjust the fill valve according to the height. In case you notice that the fill valve is placed at the maximum height, still, the overflow pipe is upper than the critical mark, you will have to use a hacksaw and shorten it. It should be at least 1 inch below the critical mark.
Connecting Fill Tube
- To start with, you will have to take one end of the newly installed fill tube and then attach it to the fill valve nipple. You will then have to attach the other end to the angle adapter.
- Next, you will have to clip the adapter to the overflow pipe
- When done, you will have to attach the flapper to the lever and then turn on the water. Check if the issue is resolved or not.
Method 3: Adjust the Water Level
Another reason for which you can face the running toilet issue is the water level. If the water level is high, the water will keep draining into the tube. So, to fix this issue, you need to adjust the water level. For this, follow the steps mentioned below.
Checking the Level of Water
- The first thing that you have to do is to check the overflow tube. In case you are not aware of what it is, it is a tube present in the center of the tank. It will connect the toilet bowl and tank.
- Next, you will have to check if the water is draining into the tube. In case it happens, you need to adjust the level of water by moving the float lower.
Check the Kind of Float Present
- You are going to get two types of float presents. One is a float ball fill valve and the other is a float cup fill valve.
- If you notice a ball-shaped float at the end of the arm attached to the fill valve, it means that you are dealing with the float ball fill valve. In this case, you need to check the ball. If there is water inside it, you will have to replace it.
- Other than this, if there is a small cylinder around the fill valve, it means there is a float cup fill valve present. The cup moves up and down on the shaft and with its height, you can determine the water level.
Adjust Float Ball Fill Valve
- Now, if you have the float ball fill valve, you will have to look for the screw with which the float arm is attached to the fill valve. By turning this screw, you will be able to adjust the height, you can use comfortable height toilets for your own comfort.
- You will have to flush and then again fill the tank. You will now have to check the water level.
- Now, you need to make sure that the water level is 1.5 inches below your overflow tube. If it is not, you will have to keep moving the screw to adjust the level of water.
Adjust Float Cup Fill Valve
- For the Float cup fill valve, you will have to adjust the water level in the same way. look for the adjustment screw; to adjust the water level, you will have to turn the water level.
- Next, you will have to flush and fill the tank again.
- You will now have to check the water level.
- Now, you need to make sure that the water level is 1.5 inches below your overflow tube. If it is not, you will have to keep moving the screw to adjust the level of water.
Verify the Fill Tube
Now, the last step in the process to fix the running toilet is to check if there is an issue with the fill tube. It is the tube that attaches to the fill valve and fills the water tank after you have flushed it. Make sure that this tube is above the waterline. If not, the running toilet issue can occur. So, when you will fill the water tank, you will have to check that the tube must not in the water. If it is under the waterline, you will have to trim the tube enough so that the tube is above.
You may also read- Most Powerful Flushing Toilet For Clean and Fresh Bathroom
To Wind Up
All the methods mentioned above are doable and you will be able to resolve the toilet that keeps running issue easily. If you still get stuck at any point, we will suggest you call a plumber.
FAQs
How to fix a running toilet without a ball float?
First, replace the fill valve only if the tank is overflowing. If this doesn’t work out then try to replace the toilet flapper.
Why does my toilet float keep running?
This can happen because of various reasons and the most common one is that you may have a damaged float which is why it can’t stop the water flow leading the tank to overflow.
Cost to fix a running toilet?
The average cost can range between 60 to 200 dollars. It depends on what type of problem you are facing.