How to Stop a Toilet from Dripping and Running for No Reason

Mike Bauman
Mike Bauman, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Nov 5, 2009 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
We have all had the problem of a toilet the either drips loudly or runs periodically for no apparent reason. What follows are some things to check before you call an expensive plumber.
  1. Step 1

    Head to your offending bathroom.

  2. Remove the tank lid from your toilet. Remember the water up here is clean, although the tank will likely be discolored from rust, etc. What you see inside is called a "ball cock." I'm not making that up. It will have some type of float that attaches to a valve on a vertical piece of tubing. You will also likely see a plastic hose going from the valve to another vertical tube with an open top. This is an overflow tube.
  3. Step 2

    Check to make sure your water level is below the top of the overflow tube. If it is not or is right at the top, you need to adjust your float. This is accomplished in different ways depending on the style of ball cock in your toilet. Take and close look and you should be able to figure it out.

  4. Step 3

    If the water level is ok, check the plastic hose that runs from the valve to the overflow tube. If it is too far down inside the overflow tube, water can siphon into the tube, causing the problem. Make sure the open end of this hose is above the waterline.

  5. Step 4

    If that's ok, you need to check your flapper drain plug at the bottom of the tank. Ensure it is seated properly, is in good repair, and has enough chain from the handle to close fully.

  6. Step 5

    If none of the above work for you, it might be time to replace your ball cock. This really is not as hard as it might seem and replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to find.

Published by Mike Bauman

Sales Coordinator with major insurance company ex-police officer  View profile

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