How to Repair a Running Toilet

One of the most common issues in a house is running toilets. Running toilets should be repaired as soon as possible since they are a "drain" in your hard earned money. A running toilet will make your water bill more expensive. Repairing running toilets is very simple especially if you follow my advise!!!!!

Fixing a running toilet is simple and it is cheap too. Most parts cost a few dollars. Even an entire kit cost less than 20 dollars. ONE OF THE EASIEST WAY TO FIX A RUNNING TOILET IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE KIT but before doing that you could check a few cheaper options.

Replace the flapper

The flapper is that rubbery valve your toilet kit has at the bottom of the bowl. Frequently, the flapper does not close properly because it get damaged. Replacing the flapper may fix your running toilet. Sometimes the chain that connects the flapper to the handle may adopt some strange twist that prevent the flapper to function properly. In this case you will need to adjust the chain so it allows the flapper to its job.

If replacing the flapper or adjusting the chain does not fix the running toilet then you will have to get into the flushing system

Flushing Systems

There are different types of flushing systems. The oldest have a plastic or Styrofoam attached to a metal arm. This ball floats on the water tank. It is this ball that controls the water level. The arm can be adjusted so the tank does not overfill. Bending the arm will allow to adjust water tank levels. Bending downward will cause water to to stop sooner.

Another common system is the metered fill or call cock system. This system consists of a metered fill valve or float cups. The metered fill valve is adjusted by turning (right or left) a screw that has attached to it. A float cup will need to be moved op or down depending on how you need to regulate you water inflow.

If you tried all the above (replacing the flapper, adjusting the chain, adjusting the flushing system) and you still have a running toilet then you need to replace the whole system. Don´t panic. It is easier than you think. You can do it yourself. Follow the instructions that come with your flushing kit. You can also watch some videos on youtube about replacing flushing kits.