A running toilet is frustrating, annoying, and potentially very expensive to fix if it is not addressed. Toilet issues are common, and there are many reasons for your toilet not to work correctly. Fortunately, you can take some easy steps to fix a running toilet. Let’s explore some ways you can improve or repair a running toilet in your household.
Fixing a Runny Toilet
First, check to see if the problem is with the float ball. The float ball is what allows water to enter the toilet bowl. If it’s not working correctly, water will continue to run into the bowl, causing the toilet to run.
If the float ball is the problem, there are a few ways to fix it. One way is to adjust the float ball to float higher in the water. This will allow less water to enter the toilet bowl, and it should stop running.
Flapper
Another way to fix a running toilet is to repair the leaking flapper. The flapper is the rubber seal that sits at the bottom of the toilet tank and prevents water from draining out. If it leaks, moisture will slowly leak out of the tank, causing the toilet to run.
A leaking flapper is usually not repairable, and you’ll be able to purchase one at any local hardware store. Once you have a new flapper, remove the old one and replace it with the new one.
You may not have had luck with the flapper or the float ball stopping your toilet from running. Next, you can try to address the fill valve. The fill valve controls the water level in the tank and is located behind the handle. The fill valve might be letting too much water into the tank, causing it to keep running. You can adjust the float arm level to lower the water in the tank and stop it from running.
Refill Tube
Finally, there could be an issue with the refill tube. The refill tube is the small tube that goes from the fill valve to the overflow pipe. If it is not placed correctly, water will constantly run into the overflow pipe and cause the toilet to keep running. The readjustment of the tube typically stops the toilet from running.
A running toilet is not a significant problem, but you’ll want to get it taken care of sooner rather than later. It takes some trial and error to get your toilet to stop running, but once you find the problem, it is usually a simple fix. However, if you are unsure, always reach out to a professional plumber who can quickly assess and fix the issue.