A running toilet is annoying. You hear the sound of water running, but nothing’s flushing. It wastes water and can add extra dollars to your water bill. The good news? You don’t need to call a plumber right away. You can fix a running toilet yourself with a few simple steps. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to stop your toilet from running, so you can save water and money.
Why Is Your Toilet Running?
Let’s start by understanding what causes a toilet to run. There are a few simple parts inside your toilet that control how it works. If one of these parts is broken, your toilet keeps running. Here are the parts you need to know about:
- Flapper: This is a rubber valve that controls the water from the tank to the toilet bowl.
- Fill Valve: This part fills the tank with water after you flush.
- Float: The float tells the fill valve when the tank is full and stops the water.
When one of these parts doesn’t work right, water keeps running. But don’t worry. Let’s look at how to fix them.
Step 1: Check the Flapper
What Is the Flapper?
The flapper is the rubber valve at the bottom of the toilet tank. When you flush, the flapper lifts and lets water flow into the bowl. When the tank is empty, the flapper closes to stop the water. If the flapper doesn’t close tightly, water keeps running.
How to Fix It
- Open the Tank: Carefully lift the lid off the toilet tank.
- Inspect the Flapper: Look at the flapper. Is it cracked, dirty, or not closing? If it is, it needs replacing.
- Replace the Flapper: If the flapper is worn out, you can easily replace it. Go to your local hardware store and buy a new one. To replace it, lift off the old flapper and clip the new one in place.
Test the Toilet
After you replace the flapper, flush the toilet. If the water stops running, the problem was the flapper.
Step 2: Check the Fill Valve
What Is the Fill Valve?
The fill valve controls how water comes into the tank after you flush. If it’s broken, it might keep letting water into the tank. You’ll hear it running nonstop if this happens.
How to Fix It
- Locate the Fill Valve: It’s the pipe on the left side of the tank. It usually has a float attached to it.
- Check the Valve: If the fill valve is letting too much water in or not shutting off, it’s broken or needs adjusting.
- Adjust the Fill Valve: If it’s letting in too much water, try adjusting the valve with the screw on top. If it’s broken, you’ll need to replace it.
- Replace the Fill Valve: To replace the fill valve, turn off the water, disconnect the old one, and attach the new valve in place. You can find a new fill valve at your local hardware store.
Test the Toilet
Once you replace or adjust the fill valve, turn the water back on and flush the toilet. It should stop running once the tank is full.
Step 3: Check the Float
What Is the Float?
The float tells the fill valve when to stop filling the tank. If the float is stuck or set too high, water will keep running. The float is usually a small ball or a cup that floats on the water.
How to Fix It
- Look at the Float: The float should be about an inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Adjust the Float: If the float is too high, it will make the valve stay open. Gently bend the arm holding the float to lower it. If the float is a cup, you can adjust the screw on the top.
- Replace the Float: If the float is broken or cracked, you’ll need to replace it.
Test the Toilet
Flush the toilet again and watch the float rise. Once the float reaches the right level, the toilet should stop running.
Step 4: Look for Leaks
Sometimes, the toilet keeps running because of a leak. A leak could be between the tank and the bowl or around the tank base.
How to Check for Leaks
- Look for Water: Check around the base of the tank. If water is pooling on the floor, you have a leak.
- Check the Tank-to-Bowl Bolts: Tighten the bolts that hold the tank to the bowl. Be careful not to overtighten, as that can crack the porcelain.
- Replace the Gasket: If there’s a leak between the tank and the bowl, you may need to replace the gasket. You can find a new gasket at any hardware store.
Test the Toilet
After tightening the bolts or replacing the gasket, check if the toilet still runs. If it’s fixed, the toilet should stop running.
Step 5: Clean the Components
Sometimes, mineral deposits or debris can cause the toilet to run. Cleaning the parts inside the tank can help the toilet run better.
How to Clean the Components
- Turn Off the Water: Turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to empty the tank.
- Clean the Fill Valve: Use a cloth or sponge to clean the fill valve. If it has mineral deposits, soak it in vinegar to clean it.
- Clean the Flush Valve: Clean the flush valve with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Clean the Flapper: Wipe down the flapper to remove any dirt or buildup.
Test the Toilet
Once you’ve cleaned the parts, turn the water back on and flush the toilet. The toilet should stop running when the tank fills up.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If your toilet keeps running after you’ve tried all these steps, it might be time to call a professional plumber. They can find the real problem and fix it fast.
Here are some signs it’s time to call a pro:
- The toilet still runs after replacing the parts.
- You can’t find where the leak is coming from.
- The toilet’s internal parts are broken and need replacing.
At MyBoisePlumbers, we can help fix your running toilet and other plumbing problems. Our plumbers are ready to help, no matter the issue.
Preventing Future Toilet Problems
You don’t want your toilet to run again. Here are a few tips to keep your toilet working properly:
- Check for Leaks Regularly: Even small leaks can waste a lot of water over time.
- Clean the Toilet Parts: Regular cleaning can prevent buildup that can cause parts to wear out.
- Be Careful with What You Flush: Don’t flush things like paper towels or toys. Only flush toilet paper and waste.
Conclusion
A running toilet might be a big problem, but it’s easy to fix. Whether it’s the flapper, the fill valve, the float, or a leak, these simple steps will help stop the water from running. If these steps don’t work, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber. At MyBoisePlumbers, we’re ready to help with all your plumbing needs.
Fixing a running toilet doesn’t have to be hard. Just follow these steps, and you’ll save water, money, and time!
