Like many plumbing issues, a constantly running toilet is a household annoyance and wastes water. And sometimes fixing it can be easier said than done. In this post, we’ll explore some steps you can take to make your toilet finally stop running!
CHECK THE FLAPPER
As its name indicates, the flapper flaps open and closed over the hole that lets water into the bowl from the tank every time you flush. To work properly, the flapper has to be perfectly flush with the bottom of the tank. If even a tiny bit of water can seep through, the toilet will continue to run.
A leaky flapper may not need replacing. Just turn off the water to the toilet (there should be a valve on the wall), reach in the tank, and remove the flapper. Make sure there isn’t any debris, clean it thoroughly, and reinstall. If it still leaks, it could need to be replaced.
CHECK THE CHAIN
The chain connects the toilet handle to the flapper, forcing it to open when you flush. The chain has to be the correct length to make sure it allows the flapper to open without getting in the way of the mechanism.
Look inside the tank and observe how the chain works. If it’s not opening the flapper, you can adjust it to make it longer. If it’s getting caught underneath the flapper, you can make it shorter. Simply adjust the links in the chain to change the length.
CHECK THE FLOAT
The toilet float is the balloon-like ball that’s connected to the fill valve. These days, cup floats are also popular and are attached directly to the fill valve. Either way, the float has to be set to allow the correct amount of water into the tank. A problem with the float can result in a constantly running toilet.
For either type of float, you can manually adjust the height. The cup float should have an adjustment screw on the top, and the ball float can be rotated to adjust the length.
CHECK THE FILL TUBE
The fill tube is the flexible tube that connects the fill valve to the overflow pipe. It controls the amount of water in the toilet bowl. The fill tube should always remain above the water line in your tank, otherwise, the toilet will continue to run. You can manually adjust the fill tube to make sure it remains above water.
WORTH THE CALL
If you complete these steps and your toilet is still constantly running, it may be time to call a plumber. Certified professionals at The Bosworth Company in Kerrville can identify and fix the problem, or tell you if it’s time for a new toilet. Make an appointment today by calling 830-428-2764 or scheduling one online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.