Repair Running Toilet

Running toilets are what drive home owners and apartment dwellers to the mad house. To most people how a toilet works is just confusing and the thought of actually fixing the toilet is considered a filthy job. There is no reason to go crazy and with a little knowledge not a filthy job.

Toilets run for a lot of reasons but two fixes cover most problems, either the flap in the bottom of the tank is damaged or worn out or the water valve inside the toilet is worn out.

The very first thing to do to stop a running toilet is jiggle the handle and see if that works, if that does not work start looking for the problem or call a professional. If the flap is not working correctly the problem could be that the chain to the handle is stuck under the flap and a gentle tug on the chain will free it but not solve the problem, the chain needs to be adjusted. Sometimes the flap gets caught on the water level control or the ball and the ball needs to be adjusted carefully. After these two quick fixes if the running continues it is time for new parts.

To change the flap reach down into the water and gently remove the flap, disconnect the chain and replace the flap with a new flap, the flap just fits into the bracket that surrounds the overflow pipe. Remember to reconnect the chain. Just a note, the water in the toilet tank is not dirty!

If the water valve is worn out the repair is not so simple and a professional can do it for a moderate cost. To do this repair turn off the water at the shut off valve located behind the toilet bowl. Next flush the toilet to remove as much water as possible from the tank. Now is the time where things can a little damp, so prepare for it by having some rags close by. Using the correct size wrench disconnect the water line from the bottom of the toilet, it should not be real tight if it was installed correctly, some water will run out but not a lot. After the water line is disconnected the nut above the water connection needs to be loosened and water will run out, this is when you need the rags. Take the nut off and reach into the toilet tank and gently work the water valve loose, more water will run out. Once the old valve is out unloosen the nut on the new valve and put the threaded pipe through the hole in the bottom of the tank, reach under the tank and tighten the nut carefully until the new valve is snug and then carefully tighten the nut but do not break it, also check inside the tank to make sure everything lines up correctly, the ball should not touch anything. Reconnect the waterline to the bottom of the new valve and turn on the water and check for leaks

Sounds simple to stop a running toilet but if you have any doubts or no tools call a professional and the job will be done quickly and no more running toilet!