A running toilet can be a major inconvenience, not to mention an expensive one. Having your water bill skyrocket because of a leak is never fun! The good news is that fixing a running toilet is quite simple and something you can do yourself in five easy steps. Read on to learn how to fix your running toilet quickly and efficiently.
Understanding How a Toilet Functions
Before fixing a running toilet, it’s essential to understand the basic anatomy of a toilet and what can cause it to run. A toilet comprises several key components: the tank, the fill valve, and the flush handle. The fill valve is responsible for bringing water into the tank after flushing, while the flush handle releases water from the tank and into the bowl to flush waste away.
If your toilet is running, it’s likely because of a problem with the fill valve or the flush handle. Problems like a faulty flapper or an issue with the inlet and outlet valves in the tank can cause this.
Now that you have a better understanding of the toilet, let’s get fixing!
Step 1: Identify the Problem
The first step to fixing a running toilet is identifying what’s causing it. You can start by looking for any apparent issues with the flapper or the inlet and outlet valves. If none of these are visibly damaged, then you may need to test the flush handle and fill valve. To do this, fill a cup with water and pour it slowly into the toilet tank. If there’s an issue with the flush handle or the fill valve, you should hear a hissing sound from within the tank.
Step 2: Check the Flapper Valve
The first step to fixing a running toilet is to check the flapper valve. The flapper valve is located inside the tank and controls the flow of water from the tank into the bowl. If it’s not sealing properly, it will cause the water to run constantly. To test it, flush the toilet and see if the flapper valve closes completely after it refills with water. If not, then this could be causing your running toilet issue.
Step 3: Adjust or Replace the Float Ball Assembly
If you find that your flapper valve is working correctly, you should check your float ball assembly. This part controls how much water enters your tank when it’s being refilled after a flush. Over time, this part may become worn out or damaged and will need to be adjusted or replaced for your toilet to function correctly again.
Step 4: Check for Leaks Around The Base Of The Toilet
In some cases, a running toilet may be caused by a leak at the toilet’s base, which meets with the flooring. This could be due to improper installation or damage from shifting over time. To check for leaks around the base of your toilet, look for any signs of moisture around where it meets with the flooring or walls near its base. If there are any signs of moisture or leaking, then this could mean an issue with your plumbing that needs to be addressed as soon as possible before further damage occurs.
Step 5: Call A Professional For Help
If none of these solutions have fixed your running toilet problem, then consider calling a professional plumber who can help diagnose and repair any issues with your plumbing system more effectively than you could do on your own. It’s always best practice to get professional assistance when dealing with any plumbing issue, as they have experience and knowledge that most people don’t possess when attempting DIY repairs at home.
Tips and Tricks to Fixing a Running Toilet
- Always make sure to completely shut off the water supply before attempting any plumbing repairs.
- Only try fixing a toilet yourself if you are familiar with plumbing systems, as this could lead to further damage or injury.
- Double-check all parts and components after fixing your toilet before turning the water supply back on.
- Always keep an eye out for any signs of moisture around the base of your toilet, which could be indicative of a leaky pipe or another plumbing issue.
Get to Fixing!
Knowing how to fix a running toilet can save you time and money in the long run—not just on costly repairs but also on expensive water bills due to wasted water! Thankfully, the most common causes behind a running toilet are relatively easy fixes that don’t require professional assistance most of the time. After following these five steps, you should now know how you can identify and fix any issues causing problems with your toilet’s performance quickly and easily from home!
