Sometimes the toilet won’t just stop running, but it can be easy to fix. The first step is to stay calm. And then it is helpful to remember the basic setup of the flush mechanism. Even if you don’t, these steps should be easy to follow.
Fixing Your Running Toilet
It’s best to diagnose the problem in the tank before determining if it’s a quick fix or requires some replacement parts. If you are worried about the water overflowing, you could turn off the valve supplying water to the toilet. It should be on the wall behind the tank. The follow these steps:
- Remove the lid of the tank to see inside.
- Check the fill tube, which is the flexible tube that goes up into the cylindrical fill valve to provide the water to the tank. If the fill tube is not an inch below the overflow pipe, which is the upright open-faced tube in the tank, then that may be the cause of the problem.
- Check the fill height in the tank. If it is too low, then it won’t flush properly. If it is too high, then it will run continuously. The water level should be an inch below the overflow pipe’s rim. See if the ball float, which should be near-perpendicular to the fill tube to cause it to shut off when the water level is right, is working. You may need to replace it.
- Check to see if any of the clips or chains that are meant to be attaching the valves and levers are loose and fix them.
- Check the flush lever and the flapper. The chain connecting the lever to the flapper should have a little slack and not be tangled. The seal of the flapper should also, of course, have the right fit to not let water through when it’s closed.
To get in touch with people who know how to help with your toilet call 806-373-7866 to reach Pratt Plumbing, Amarillo’s locally-owned plumbers for over 55 years.
