Fixing a running toilet is a common household repair that can save you money on your water bill and prevent annoying leaks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you diagnose and fix the issue:
- Identify the Problem: The first step is to determine what is causing your toilet to run continuously. Usually, it’s either a faulty flapper valve or a problem with the fill valve.
- Check the Flapper Valve: Lift the toilet tank lid and inspect the flapper valve. It’s the rubber piece that seals the flush valve at the bottom of the tank. If it’s warped, cracked, or doesn’t seat properly, water will leak from the tank into the bowl, causing the toilet to run.
- Inspect the Fill Valve: If the flapper valve seems fine, the next suspect is the fill valve. This is the mechanism that controls the water entering the tank. Sometimes, the float arm or the valve itself can become stuck or corroded, leading to continuous water flow.
- Adjust the Float: If the fill valve is the issue, adjusting the float arm may solve the problem. The float is designed to shut off the fill valve when the water reaches a certain level in the tank. If it’s set too high, water will overflow into the overflow tube.
- Replace Parts if Necessary: If adjusting components doesn’t work, you may need to replace them. Flapper valves and fill valves are inexpensive and readily available at hardware stores.
- Turn Off the Water: Before making any repairs, turn off the water supply to the toilet. You can usually do this by turning the shut-off valve located on the wall behind the toilet.
- Test Your Repairs: Once you’ve made adjustments or replaced parts, turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet to ensure the issue is resolved.
Fixing a running toilet doesn’t always require professional help and can usually be done with basic tools and replacement parts. By following these steps, you can save water, money, and prevent further damage to your toilet.
