One of the hectic things that most homeowners face is the running toilet. Here the problem is that water keeps on going after you stopped flushing it. In addition to an uncomfortable sight and noise, you may get expensive utility bills. A running toilet may cost the homeowner around $1000 in utility bills. Furthermore, there is wastage of more than 6000 gallons of water.
But you don’t have to worry about the toilet won’t stop running, as you can fix it yourself or get the help of a plumber. However, you need to know the causes of the problems before getting the solution.
Table of Contents
How do Toilets Operate?
Whether you are using a double flush toilet or a corner toilet, you need to get an idea about the working mechanism of the toilet. There are different models of toilets but they all operate in the same procedure. The first thing is to remove the tank lid to observe the toilet’s working procedure. To clean the toilet, you will flush the toilet handle. While doing this procedure, it will lift the chain. With the lifting process of the chain, the flapper moves up from the base and allows the water to move out. If you leave the toilet handle, the flapper moves down and block the hole for not letting water out. Thereby, the tank gets filled with water.
You may also see a plastic float inside the tank. This is the main component that helps the valve to come to the water in. It happens when the tank is not having water, and it works vice-versa too.
Again, one more component you will find at the center of the tank is the overflow tube. When there is a high water level, then the toilet won’t stop running.
Easy Ways to Stop a Running Toilet
Equipment or Tools That You Need
- Channel Locks
- Towel, sponge, or cloth
- Bucket
- Screwdriver
If The Problem is with the Overflow Tube
1. Check the Water Level
Inside the toilet tank, the water level should always stay below the overflow tube and the fill valve. This will cause the water to flow into the overflow tube. In case, the water runs into the overflow tube, then it will be a problem with the overflow tube and you need to lower the water level. If it is not the problem, then you need to check the flush valve.
2. Adjust the Float Rod or Float Cup
To reduce the water level inside the tank, you need to correct the float rod or float cup. The float rod is a horizontal rod that stands in between the fill valve and the float ball. The first step is to identify the screw’s location that connects the float rod with the fill valve. After finding it, you need to turn the screw in the counterclockwise direction for about a quarter level. This will reduce the water level.
Once again if you find the toilet won’t stop running, even after adjusting the float rod, then there is a problem with the fill valve.
3. Verify the Overflow Tube Height
An overflow tube is too short in length, then there is a great chance of water wastage. It means the water will flow into the tank and then out of the short overflow tube. The reason is the flush valve’s incompatibility with the toilet or the short-length overflow tube.
Here the only option is to replace the flush valve and ensure that the new flush valve goes well with your toilet. Also, check the overflow tube is somewhat lengthier than the old tube.
If the Problem is With the Flush Valve
1. Check The Chain
If the toilet won’t stop running, then there will be a problem with the flush valve assembly. Here you need to inspect the chain and flapper parts. When the chain is too short, then it will not let the flapper close properly. In contrary to that, if it is too long, it will trap under the flapper. In both cases, there will be leakage. Thus, you need to check the length of the chain for allowing the flapper to fully close and open properly.
2. Inspect The Flapper
The next step is to check the flapper. The flapper may get dirty of longer use and may not sit properly on its valve seat. When there is a defect with the flapper, then you need to replace it with a new one. If the flapper is too much dirty, you can take it out and wash it using a vinegar solution and water. Before cleaning the flapper, you need to turn off the water flow valve and drain the tank completely.
3. Replace The Flush Valve
If the toilet won’t stop running and you find the short overflow tube, then you need to replace the entire flush valve system. Here the first step is to turn off the water supply to the toilet by using the isolation valve. Then you need to drain the entire water by just flushing. Then, use a cloth or towel to dry the remaining left-over water.
Disconnect the flapper using the tank-to-bowl bolts. Then take out the old flush valve. While doing this process, you need to lift the tank off carefully. This will help to get easy access to the toilet-to-bowl gasket.
Now, install the new flush valve, and ensure that you tighten the valve nut. Finally, you need to replace the old tank-to-bowl gasket. Carefully, do the setup of the tank and reconnect the water supply to the tank. So, it is time to check for any leaks for avoiding water damage.
Finally, flush the toilet to check whether the problem is fixed or not. Now, the toilet should stop running after the installation of the new flush valve. If you can’t stop a toilet from running, then there is a problem with the flapper or tank-to-gasket installation.
Conclusion
The above article will help you to fix the toilet’s water running issues properly. It is easy to carry out the above methods to fix the problem. You can also get the help of a professional to fix the same problem.
