Is the persistent sound of a running toilet driving you crazy at home? It’s frustrating and can lead to wasted water and higher utility costs. Luckily, most running toilets are caused by simple problems that can be easily resolved with basic knowledge and tools.
This blog post will go over some of the top causes of running toilets and how to fix them. But if you’re uncomfortable handling these repairs alone, it’s always best to call a professional plumber.
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1. Faulty flapper
The flapper is a rubber valve at the toilet tank’s bottom. It opens to let water flow into the bowl during a flush and closes to stop the water once the tank is full. If the flapper isn’t sealing correctly, water can continuously leak into the bowl and cause your toilet to run.
To check if this is the issue, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait 10-15 minutes. If you see colored water in the bowl, it’s a sign that the flapper needs to be replaced.
To fix this problem, turn off the water supply valve behind or next to the toilet. Then, empty any remaining water from the tank with a sponge and disconnect the chain attached to the flush lever. Remove the old flapper and replace it with a new one of similar size and shape. Reattach the chain, turn the water supply back on, and test to see if the problem is resolved.
2. Worn-out fill valve
The fill valve regulates the process of refilling the toilet tank after every flush. If it is damaged or worn out, it can cause your toilet to run constantly. To check if this is the issue, lift the float arm in the tank (the long rod with a ball or cup attached to it). If the running stops, then you know that the fill valve needs to be replaced.
To fix this problem, first, turn off the water supply valve and empty out any remaining water from the tank. Disconnect the old fill valve by unscrewing it from underneath the tank and replacing it with a new one. Turn the water supply back on, adjust the fill valve to the correct water level, and test if the problem is resolved.
3. Misaligned float arm
As mentioned before, the float arm controls the water level in your toilet tank. If not positioned correctly, it can result in continuous running as it constantly tries to fill more water than necessary. To fix this issue, bend the float arm slightly downwards to rest lower in the tank and not interfere with other components.
4. Malfunctioning overflow tube
The overflow tube prevents overfilling of the toilet tank by diverting excess water into the bowl. If it is faulty or not working correctly, it can lead to your toilet running continuously. To check if this is the issue, look for any cracks or leaks in the tube and replace it if necessary.
5. Mineral build-up
Over time, minerals like calcium and lime can build up in your toilet’s flushing mechanism, causing it to malfunction and waste water. To fix this problem, first, turn off the water supply valve and empty out any remaining water from the tank. Then, a cleaning solution specifically designed to remove mineral deposits will be used to clean the inside of the tank.
6. Broken toilet handle
The handle on your toilet may seem like a minor component, but if it is broken, it can lead your toilet to run continuously. To fix this issue, simply replace the handle with a new one.
7. Faulty fill tube
The fill tube replenishes the bowl with water after each flush. If it is damaged or not connected properly, it can cause your toilet to run constantly. To check if this is the problem, ensure the tube is connected to the overflow tube and fill valve. If it’s disconnected or damaged, replace it with a new one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, running toilets has many causes, but most of them can be easily fixed by following these simple steps. With the knowledge and tips provided in this article, you can easily tackle any running toilet problem that comes your way.
Remember to regularly check and maintain your toilet’s components to prevent future issues from occurring. But if you encounter a stubbornly running toilet, don’t hesitate to call in the experts for fast and efficient repairs.
