A running toilet is not only annoying but can also lead to wasted water and increased utility bills. Many people may wonder if they can handle the repair themselves or if they need to call a professional plumber. This article will explore various steps and techniques for repairing a running toilet without professional help.
Identify the Problem:
Before attempting to repair a running toilet, it is crucial to identify the cause of the issue. There are a few common problems that can lead to a toilet continuously running. These include a faulty flapper, a defective fill valve, or a problematic float.
Tools Required:
To repair a running toilet, you will need a few tools commonly found in households. While you can purchase these tools if you don’t already have them, they are relatively inexpensive. The necessary tools include an adjustable wrench, a screwdriver (both flathead and Phillips), pliers, and a replacement flapper or fill valve, if needed.
Step-by-Step Repair Process:
- Turn off the water supply: Locate the water shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to stop the water flow. This step will prevent water from spilling while you work on the toilet.
- Remove the toilet tank lid: Lift the lid off the toilet tank carefully and set it aside in a safe place.
- Inspect the flapper: The flapper is a rubber seal that sits at the bottom of the tank. Start by checking if the flapper is damaged, misaligned, or covered in mineral deposits. If it is, it may be causing the toilet to run continuously. In such cases, removing and replacing the flapper is usually the necessary step.
- Remove and replace the flapper: Disconnect the flapper chain from the flush handle lever. Then, remove the old flapper by unhooking it from the overflow tube in the center of the tank. Install the new flapper by attaching it to the overflow tube and reconnecting the chain to the flush handle lever.
- Check the fill valve: If changing the flapper did not resolve the issue, the problem may lie with the fill valve. The fill valve controls the water level in the toilet tank. A defective fill valve can cause the tank to continuously fill and overflow. Inspect the fill valve for any signs of damage or blockage.
- Adjust or replace the fill valve: Depending on the issue, you can try adjusting the fill valve to stop the continuous running. This can typically be done by turning a screw or adjusting a specific part of the valve. If adjusting the valve does not solve the problem, consider replacing it with a new one.
- Test the toilet: Once you have replaced the flapper or adjusted/replaced the fill valve, turn on the water supply by opening the shut-off valve behind the toilet. Allow the tank to fill and then flush the toilet to check if the running has ceased. Make any necessary adjustments until the toilet flushes properly and stops running.
In many cases, a running toilet can be repaired without the need for professional help. By following the step-by-step process outlined above, you can successfully diagnose and fix common issues causing a toilet to run non-stop. However, if you are not confident in your abilities or the problem persists after attempting these repairs, it may be best to consult a professional plumber to avoid further complications.