Lower your water bill with these straightforward steps to stop a running toilet.
Over time, a toilet can begin to run continuously or intermittently, resulting in increased water usage bills.
However, fixing this issue isn’t overly complicated.
Credit: Tria Giovan
However, the exact details of how this occurs are often unknown to the average individual.
Water flows through the water line and up into the toilet tank using the fill valve tube.
As the tank fills with water, the float rod or float cup is forced to rise.
Credit:Grant Webster
When the float reaches a set level, the fill valve stops water flow into the tank.
Some toilets also have a secondary entry point called a siphon jet that increases flushing power.
The overflow tube might be too short if the current flush valve assembly isn’t compatible with the toilet.
Credit:Grant Webster
The tube could also have been cut too short during installation.
Make quarter-turn adjustments until the float is set to the desired water level.
Correct this issue by replacing the float.
Credit:Grant Webster
Inspect the flapper for signs of significant wear, warping, or grime.
If the flapper is damaged, replace it with a new flapper.
If it’s just dirt, clean the flapper withwarm water and vinegar.
Credit:Grant Webster
Toilet flappers need to be replaced as the toilet gets older, typically every three to five years.
Disconnect the water supply to the tank using a set of channel locks.
You must detach the toilet tank from the toilet bowl to remove the old flush valve assembly.
Credit:Grant Webster
Remove the tank-to-bowl bolts and carefully lift the tank off the toilet to enter the toilet-to-bowl gasket.
Secure the tank-to-bowl bolts and reconnect the water supply to the toilet.
Turn the water back on and allow the tank to fill up.
Credit:Grant Webster
While it’s filling, take the time to check for any leaks at the base of the tank.
Replacing the fill valve isn’t as difficult as dealing with a faulty flush valve.
Unscrew the locking nut on the bottom of the tank to loosen the fill valve assembly.
Secure the fill valve assembly with the locking nut on the bottom of the tank.
With the new fill valve in place, reattach the water supply line and turn the water back on.
Check the bottom of the tank and the water supply line for leaks as the tank fills with water.
Why Does My Toilet Keep Running?
A running toilet is typically sparked by the overflow tube, flush valve, or fill valve.
Check the water in the tank to determine if it is running into the overflow tube.
Fixing a running toilet is typically inexpensive, sometimes costing under $50.
