If your porcelain throne, or toilet as it’s commonly known, runs long after you flush, you might want to fix that. Why? A constantly running toilet is a noisy problem that can cost you money in excess water usage. To fix a running toilet, you’ll need to check for leaks, the flapper, and the fill valve.
Steps to fixing a running toilet
Fortunately, most running toilet issues are easy to fix. Let’s begin.
1. Turn the Water Off
Before you get started, you’ll want to turn off your toilet’s water supply. Feel around for a small knob on the lower right or left side of your toilet. When you find it, turn the knob clockwise to close the valve block off the water supply.
2. Check The Water Level For Leaks
The first thing to check for is any leaks and how much. The obvious signs of a leak are if your toilet is running. However, there are “silent leaks” that are not easy to detect.
To check for leaks, you can open the toilet tank and use a pencil to draw a line at your toilet’s water level. Come back in about an hour to see if the water level has dropped below your line. If the level drops, your toilet has a leak.
3. Check the Flapper
Running toilets can be caused by a faulty flapper. If the flapper fails to close correctly between uses, eventually, water will drain from the bottom of the tank, causing the toilet to run endlessly in a futile bid to fill it back up.
To check your toilet’s flapper, press your finger around the flapper’s edges. If the toilet stops running, then your flapper has a bad seal, and you’ll need a replacement.
4. Check the Fill Valve
Much like the flapper, your toilet’s fill valves can fail too. Dirt, debris, or mineral scale deposits can cause the valve to open randomly, making the toilet run infrequently. Lift the float of the fill valve and see if the running stops. Then, look at the water level in the tank. If it’s overflowing into the overflow tube part of the flush valve, this is probably why your toilet is running. If so, it’s time to replace your fill valve.
Call a plumber to fix your running toilet
Every day you ignore a running toilet, gallons of water are being wasted – and that’s money basically going down the drain. If you suspect a running toilet, follow the steps mentioned above, but if you can’t fix the problem on your own, then it’s time to call the Amarillo, TX, experts at Pratt Plumbing. Our experienced team will make sure your toilet is working in tip-top shape. Schedule an appointment today at (806) 373-7866.
