How to Repair that Annoying Running Toilet

Is that constant running toilet driving you crazy? There is no need to call a plumber until you've read this article and tried these simple adjustments. First thing you need to do is to get to know your toilet.

First left the cover off the tank and look into the bottom, you will observe either a ball or flapper covering the water inlet to the toilet bowl. Flush the toilet and notice how the flapper operates. Make sure there are no obstructions where the flapper meets the water inlet(flapper flush valve seat) to the toilet bowl. Also, make sure the flapper is not damaged or corroded. Sometimes the flapper will become warped and out of shape which will keep it from sealing and cause your toilet to run. Check the chain to the flapper, make sure there are no kinks and that it is working freely.

If the flapper, the flapper seat and the chain all seem to be in good shape then try pouring small amount of food coloring into the tank water and see if the water in the bowl starts changing colors. If the water in the bowl starts changing colors then replace the flapper and possibly the flapper seat if you observe any gouges or nicks it.

You can also try adjusting the tank float so that the water level in the tank is lowered. Lowering the float will stop the water from rising above the overflow tube which is the open top tube sticking up in the tank. Water is not normally supposed to run into this pipe but if the level is set to high, the water will overflow into this pipe and run into the toilet bowl.

You will find an adjustment screw on the flush valve that will allow you to adjust your tank float. Now flush the toilet and observe the new water level, if it still rises above the overflow tube then make additional adjustments until you have acquired the appropriate water level. Usually the water level in the tank should be about an inch below the rim of the overflow tube.

If it turns out that you need to replace parts such as a tank flapper or flapper seat, turn the water off to your toilet at the shutoff valve and remove the part. When you go to the local hardware to purchase a new part make sure you always take your old part with you so you can use it to match up with a new one.

Following a simple steps in this article and you will be well on your way to solving the problem of your toilet running. Good Luck!