How To Fix A Running Toilet

Running toilet is a nuisance in the regular working of our everyday life. Apart from this, it also wastes a lot of water and makes irritating noise. Are you also getting mad by this constant 'running toilet' problem in your washroom? If yes, then this article would be handy for you. Instead of calling the plumber, try some simple adjustments and who knows, you might be able to solve the problem on your own. By following some simple do-it-yourself repair steps, you can not only save your time and money on water bills, but fix the running toilet problem forever. In the following lines, we have provided a number of ways on how to fix running toilets.

Fixing A Running Toilet

Before Fixing The Toilet

Before fixing a toilet, you need to be aware of the general mechanism of the toilet. Though there are different types and kinds of toilet, the general method remains the same. So, the best bet would be to lift the tank lid off, press the flush button and watch the process. It goes something like this:

In normal circumstances, when you flush, the chain lifts the flapper, which allows a tank full of water into the bowl. With the drop in the water level, the flapper drops as well, closing the opening.
As all the water flows out, a plastic float, connected to the valve, drops, allowing water to come inside. As soon as the tank gets refilled, the float goes up.
In case of an over filled tank, there is an overflow tube that drains water into the bowl.

Fixing The Toilet

Lift the lid and look in, while you push the flush button.
In case the tank is empty or is not filling, chances are that the flapper is stuck open. In such a situation, close the flapper using your hand. If the flapper continues to stick, there might be something that has gone wrong.
Look for the cause - maybe the chain is catching on something or the flapper is hitting on the chain. At times, the flapper gets wedged open on its hinge, or is aligned with the opening or simply just old and stiff.
In case the rod is bent or the chain links are twisted, all you need to do is straighten them.
To check the float mechanism, lift the ball upwards. If by doing this, water stops from running, bend the float arm down to get the right buoyancy. In case the ball has water inside, replacing it is the best struck deal. Unscrew it from the arm and install a new one in its place.
Sometimes, after following the above steps, water still continues to flow. In such a scenario, valve seat corrosion or built-up are definitely restricting the stopper from closing. To rectify this, you need to lift the stopper and investigate if there are any objects obstructing it.
If there is nothing, gently rub the seat and rim to remove the filth. In case of a great deal of damage, replace the stopper and valve seat.
Though there are fewer chances of it, at times, even after performing all the above steps, the water might continue to run. In such a case, you need to replace the flush valve assembly. However, make sure you carry the old parts with you, at the time of purchasing new inside gaskets and assemble, to ensure a perfect match. In case the shaft of the assembly is cracked, you have to substitute the whole shaft and assembly.
By now, your 'running toilet ' problem must surely have been fixed!

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