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Any householder may experience the aggravation and frustration of a clogged, stained, or running toilet. That’s why it’s important to learn how to unclog, clean, and fix a running toilet. Specifically focusing on the last issue, a running toilet not only wastes water and raises your water bill, but it can also point to a worse plumbing problem. So, we’re going to dive into why a toilet runs and the step-by-step instructions on how to fix a running toilet.
Identifying the Cause of a Running Toilet
Before we dive into how to fix a running toilet, you should know that the flapper valve, water level in the tank, and float ball are the usual culprits. Here’s what you can do to identify what’s causing your running toilet:
Checking the Flapper Valve
The flapper valve is one of the first things you should examine when attempting to fix a running toilet. The flapper valve, a rubber seal, closes the gap between the toilet bowl and the tank. It is opened by the flush handle, allowing water to flush the toilet by flowing from the tank into the bowl. Water will continue to flow from the tank into the bowl if the flapper valve is not sealing properly, which will result in the toilet running.
How to fix a running toilet with this issue? Start by flushing the toilet and allowing the tank to refill before checking the flapper valve. When the tank is full, check the flapper valve to make sure it is sealing correctly. The flapper valve may be jammed or damaged if it is not sealing properly. To test whether the flapper valve will release and seal properly, try to lightly wiggle it. You might need to replace the flapper valve if this doesn’t work.
If the flapper valve seems to be working just fine, move on and check the other parts below.
Checking the Water Level in the Tank
For the toilet to work effectively, the water level in the tank needs to be at a specific level. The toilet won’t flush correctly if the water level is too low and it may start to run if the water level is too high.
Start by flushing the toilet and allowing the tank to fill up before checking the water level. Once the tank is filled, check the water level inside by looking at the line which should be just below the overflow pipe. You might need to bend the float arm or adjust the fill valve to lower the water level if it is too high and call in a professional plumber if the water level is too low.
Checking the Float Ball
If the first two usual reasons for a running toilet are working as they should check the float ball. The float ball is hollow and rises and falls in response to the water level as well as controls the fill valve. If there’s an issue with the float ball, here’s how to fix a running toilet:
Start by flushing the toilet and letting the tank fill up before checking the float ball. Check to check if the float ball is rising and falling gently with the water level after the tank is full. The toilet may be running if the float ball is not moving freely or is trapped in a position that is too high or low. If you are unable to adjust it, you will need to replace it
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fix a Running Toilet
Here’s how to fix a running toilet:
How to solve a flapper valve problem:
- Turn off the toilet’s water supply. The shut-off valve can be found on the wall behind the toilet or on the floor just below it.
- To remove the tank, flush the toilet.
- Remove the chain that links the flapper valve and flush handle.
- Lif the flapper valve upward and away from the drain line at the tank’s base and remove it.
- Check the flapper valve for any debris or damage that is preventing sealing. The flapper valve must be replaced if it is damaged. You can attempt to reinstall it after cleaning it if it is dirty or clogged.
- Aligning it with the drain pipe and forcing it into place will allow you to reinstall the flapper valve.
- Reattach the chain to the flapper valve and flush handle.
- Restart the water supply and check the toilet to make sure the flapper valve is sealing correctly.
Changing the tank’s water level:
- Turn off the toilet’s water supply.
- To remove the tank, flush the toilet.
- Make that the float ball and fill valve are operating correctly by looking at these parts.
- If there’s an issue with the water level, you can bend the float arm or replace the toilet fill valve if the float ball and fill valve are working just fine.
- Restart the water supply and check the toilet to make sure the water level is appropriate.
How to change the float ball:
- Turn off the toilet’s water supply.
- To remove the tank, flush the toilet.
- Check on the float ball to see if it’s working.
- If it’s stuck or trapped, you can try gently pushing the float ball up or down until it is at the right level.
- Restart the water supply and check the toilet to make sure the float ball is working.
Alternative Solutions for Fixing a Running Toilet
If you’ve learned how to fix a running toilet but none of our instructions have helped you may need to replace the flapper valve, fill valve, flush valve, or call in a professional plumber.
Replace the Flapper Valve
If the flapper valve is the issue even after you’ve cleaned it and tried to fix it, this part may need to be replaced:
- Turn off the toilet’s water supply.
- To remove the tank, flush the toilet.
- Remove the chain that links the flapper valve and flush handle.
- Lifting the flapper valve upward and away from the drain line at the tank’s base will allow you to remove it.
- Purchase a fresh flapper valve, align it with the drain pipe, then press it firmly into position to install it.
- Reattach the chain to the flapper valve and flush handle.
- Restart the water supply and check the toilet to make sure the flapper valve is sealing correctly.
Replace the Fill Valve
If the fill valve is the issue, you may need an expert’s help but this part can be replaced by:
- Turn off the toilet’s water supply.
- To remove the tank, flush the toilet.
- From the fill valve, disconnect the water supply line.
- Remove the fill valve from the tank by unscrewing the mounting nut holding it in place.
- Purchase a replacement fill valve, connect the water supply line, and tighten the mounting nut back into position to install it.
- Change the water level in the tank by bending the float arm or changing the fill valve.
- Restart the water supply and check the toilet to make sure the fill valve is working correctly.
Replace the Flush Valve
If the flush valve is causing your toilet to run:
- Turn off the toilet’s water supply.
- To remove the tank, flush the toilet.
- Disconnect the flush valve’s water supply line.
- The flush valve must be taken out of the tank by removing the mounting studs holding it there.
- Purchase a fresh flush valve, then mount it by fastening the mounting bolts and water supply line.
- If necessary, adjust the float and flapper valve to guarantee optimal operation.
- Restart the water supply and check the toilet to make sure the flush valve is sealing correctly.
Otherwise, call your local plumbing professionals for help.
Tips for Maintaining a Functioning Toilet
To avoid a running toilet and other issues, keep these best practices in mind:
- Check and adjust the water level in the tank on a regular basis or as needed.
- Clean the flapper valve often! The flapper valve can stop sealing because it is soiled from clogged debris that has built up over time.
- Replace worn-out and damaged parts to prevent a running toilet.
Bottom Line: How to Fix a Running Toilet
In conclusion, a running toilet can be annoying and unpleasant but easily solved by yourself or with the help of a professional plumber. Regularly checking on the flapper valve, water tank, and float ball can prevent your toilet from running. But even if it did, you now know how to fix a running toilet!
FAQs on Fixing a Running Toilet
What are a few typical reasons for a running toilet?
A running toilet is usually caused by issues with the flapper valve, the amount of water in the tank, and the float ball. Refer to our guide above on how to fix a running toilet in detail.
How can I determine what is causing my toilet to run?
First, make sure the flapper valve is sealing properly by flushing the toilet. Check the water level in the tank to make sure it is at the right level and functioning. Then, make sure the float ball is positioned correctly and moving freely.
How can I stop a running toilet from causing water damage and an increase in my water bill?
The best way to avoid water damage and a rise in your water bill is by fixing a running toilet as soon as possible. Other problems can be prevented by making sure your toilet doesn’t run.
Could my running toilet be the result of other plumbing problems around the house?
Yes, your running toilet can be caused by other issues we haven’t gone over here. We tackle the most common reasons and how to fix a running toilet if the tank water level, fill valve, or float ball is the issue. . If your toilet is not flushing, for example, reach out to a qualified plumber if this is the case!
What are some typical issues involving the float ball, tank water level, and flapper valve?
The flapper valve may get stuck or broken, which prevents proper sealing. The float ball may be stuck in a position that is too high or low, or it may not be moving freely due to the water level in the tank being too low or high as well.
How can I maintain my toilet to avoid problems down the road?
Regularly check and clean your toilet, check the water level, and make sure all of the parts are in good operating order. Learning how to fix a running toilet and replace parts can also come in handy later on.
How can I clear a clogged toilet without using a plunger?
You can use a toilet brush, or a plumber’s snake, or pour a solution of baking soda and vinegar into the bowl to unclog a toilet without using a plunger.
How can I remove stains from the toilet?
A toilet bowl cleanser or a solution of baking soda and vinegar can be used to remove stains from a toilet. Use a toilet brush to scrub the stains, let the cleaner stay for a while, and then flush the toilet to rinse it out.
The post How to Fix a Running Toilet : Flapper, Water Level or Float Valve appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.
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