Why Won’t My Toilet Stop Running?
There are a few things that can cause a running toilet, and while you probably don’t care about the reason right now—because you’re so annoyed with your toilet that you just want to seal up the bathroom—there are also some easy fixes to the different causes.
The most common issues are the flapper, the refill tube, and the water level, and you can address any of these issues in a very short amount of time and with minimal effort. If one doesn’t work, you can try the other, and if all else fails, you can call the experts.
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The Flapper Might Be Worn Out
The problem: When the flapper on a toilet gets worn out from use or mineral deposits, it can allow water to leak from the tank into the toilet, and this causes the running you’re hearing.
The solution: Replace the flapper. Buy a new one from the hardware store. Turn off the water to the toilet, empty the tank (by flushing the toilet), remove the lid, and replace the flapper. Don’t forget to position it over the drain, reconnect the chain, and attach the sides of the flapper to the pins on the side of the overflow tube.
The Water Level Could Be too High
The problem: When the water level in the toilet is too high, it will spill into the overflow tube and make the toilet run all the time.
The solution: Lower the water level in the tank. If you have a toilet with a float attached to a long arm, adjust the screw to lower the float and the water level. For a toilet with a float attached to the column on the fill valve, loosen the screw to lower the valve, or unclip the valve to lower it.
The Refill Tube May Need to Be Adjusted
The problem: The refill tube, which is a small tube connecting the fill valve with the overflow tube, has to be in a very specific position to work properly. If it’s too long or out of position, it will cause the toilet to run.
The solution: Shorten the tube if it’s too long. You want the refill tube to drain into the overflow tube from above, so it shouldn’t be shoved down inside the tube. Cut it if you need to shorten it, and use the refill clip to fasten it in place.
Still having problems with your toilet, or with something else in the house that you can’t fix on your own? We’re here to help. We do emergencies, maintenance, repairs, and preventative work on all plumbing systems, so call A & A Plumbing servicing the San Antonio, TX area at 210-566-2665.