Is your toilet constantly running water into the bowl long after you’ve flushed? That persistent sound can be incredibly annoying and a sign of wasted water and higher bills. If you’re dealing with a toilet that just won’t stop running, you’ve come to the right place.
In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll explore the common reasons why your toilet keeps running after flushing and provide simple steps you can take to fix it yourself. Often, resolving this issue is a straightforward DIY task that can save you money and hassle.
Common Reasons for a Running Toilet
A toilet that continues to run water after flushing usually indicates a problem with the internal components that control water flow. These key parts, primarily located within the toilet tank (cistern), include the fill valve, flush mechanism, and overflow pipe. When these components are malfunctioning due to damage, wear, or incorrect adjustment, they can lead to a continuous flow of water into the toilet bowl.
Typically, a constantly running toilet boils down to three main culprits:
- Fill Valve Issues: The fill valve controls when water enters the tank. If it’s not shutting off properly, water will continuously enter.
- Flush Mechanism Leaks: The flush mechanism releases water into the bowl when you flush. If it’s not sealing correctly, water can leak through.
- Overflow Pipe Problems: The overflow pipe is a safety feature to prevent tank overfilling. If the water level is too high or the pipe is incorrectly positioned, water can constantly drain into it.
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s gather the basic tools you might need for these simple repairs.
Tools and Materials for Toilet Repair
Before you start troubleshooting your running toilet, it’s helpful to have a few basic tools and potentially some replacement parts on hand. Having these ready will make the repair process smoother and faster.
Tools
- Water Pump Pliers: Useful for loosening and tightening nuts and connections.
- Screwdriver (Phillips and Flathead): For various screws you might encounter.
- Towel, Cloth, or Sponge: To absorb any water spills and keep your workspace dry.
Materials and Parts
While you might not need all of these, having them available can save you a trip to the hardware store if a replacement is necessary.
- Flush Mechanism Replacement Kit: If your flush mechanism is damaged, a complete replacement kit is often the easiest solution.
- Fill Valve Replacement Kit: Similarly, a new fill valve assembly can quickly resolve issues with a faulty valve.
Now that you’re prepared, let’s get to the troubleshooting and fixing!
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix a Running Toilet
If you’re comfortable doing a little bit of investigation, you can often diagnose and fix a running toilet yourself. Here’s a breakdown of the potential causes and how to address them:
1) Adjusting the Fill Valve
The fill valve’s primary job is to refill the toilet tank to the correct water level after each flush. This optimal water level is usually marked inside the tank itself. If the fill valve isn’t adjusted correctly, it might not shut off the water supply at the right point, leading to a continuous run.
To check if the fill valve is the issue, start by removing the toilet tank lid and setting it aside carefully. Flush the toilet and observe the water level as the tank refills. Does the water rise above the fill line marked in the tank? If it does, the fill valve is likely the problem.
How to Adjust the Fill Valve
Most fill valves have an adjustable float. This float is typically a plastic ball or cylinder connected to an arm. The height of this float determines when the fill valve shuts off the water supply. A higher float setting means less water in the tank, and a lower float setting allows more water.
To adjust the water level, locate the adjustment mechanism on your fill valve. This might be a screw, a clip, or a sliding adjustment.
- Adjusting the Float Arm: If you have a float arm, gently bend it downwards. This will lower the float, causing the fill valve to shut off sooner and reduce the water level in the tank.
- Using the Adjustment Screw/Clip: Some fill valves have a screw or clip that you can turn or adjust to change the float height. Turn the screw counterclockwise to lower the water level, and clockwise to raise it.
After making an adjustment, flush the toilet again and watch the water level. Repeat the adjustment process until the water stops filling at the correct level, just below the overflow pipe and at or below the fill line marked in your tank.
Checking the Water Supply
If adjusting the fill valve doesn’t solve the problem, or if the water level doesn’t rise at all after flushing, you might have an issue with the water supply to the toilet.
First, check the isolation valve on the water supply pipe leading to your toilet. This valve is usually located near the base of the toilet. Ensure it is fully open. Typically, a flathead screwdriver can be used to turn the valve. The notch on the screw should be in line with the pipe when fully open.
Storage Cistern Supply
If your home has a cold water storage cistern (often found in the attic or loft), your toilet might be supplied from this cistern. If you notice that your cold water taps in the bathroom are also not working correctly, the issue could be in the storage cistern.
Check the ball valve in the storage cistern. Gently move the float arm of the ball valve up and down. If the valve is stuck or malfunctioning, you might hear the cistern starting to fill. Ensure that the ball valve shuts off the water supply once the cistern is full.
2) Addressing Flush Mechanism Leaks
The flush mechanism is located at the bottom of the toilet tank and is connected to the flush handle or button on the outside of the tank. When you flush, this mechanism lifts, allowing water to flow from the tank into the toilet bowl. A common cause of a running toilet is a leak in the flush mechanism, specifically the flapper or seal.
How to Check the Flush Mechanism
Start by turning off the water supply to the toilet using the isolation valve. Flush the toilet to drain most of the water from the tank. Now, examine the flush mechanism.
- Check the Flapper/Seal: The flapper is a rubber or plastic component that seals the flush valve opening at the bottom of the tank. Over time, flappers can become worn, cracked, or warped, preventing a tight seal. Inspect the flapper for any visible damage. Also, check the flush valve seat (the rim where the flapper sits) for any debris or buildup that might be preventing a good seal.
Fixing a Leaky Flush Mechanism
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Clean the Flush Valve Seat: If you see any mineral buildup or debris on the flush valve seat, gently clean it with a sponge or cloth.
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Replace the Flapper: If the flapper is worn or damaged, replacing it is usually a simple and inexpensive fix. You can purchase a universal toilet flapper at most hardware stores. Make sure to choose a flapper that is compatible with your toilet type. Installation typically involves simply clipping the new flapper onto the chain or arm of the flush mechanism.
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Inspect the Chain/Lift Wire: Ensure the chain or lift wire connecting the flush handle to the flapper is not too tight or too loose. If it’s too tight, it might be lifting the flapper slightly and preventing a proper seal. If it’s too loose, it might not be lifting the flapper enough for a full flush, but this is less likely to cause a constant running issue.
After making any adjustments or replacements, turn the water supply back on and allow the tank to fill. Observe if the running water has stopped.
3) Adjusting the Overflow Pipe
The overflow pipe is a vertical pipe inside the toilet tank. Its purpose is to prevent the tank from overfilling. If the water level in the tank rises too high (usually due to a fill valve malfunction), the excess water will flow into the overflow pipe and down into the toilet bowl, preventing a tank overflow and potential water damage.
However, if the water level in your tank is consistently reaching the overflow pipe, even with a properly adjusted fill valve, the overflow pipe itself might be set too low or have been adjusted incorrectly.
How to Adjust the Overflow Pipe
- Check the Water Level: Observe the water level in your tank. Is it consistently reaching the top of the overflow pipe? If so, even if your fill valve is working correctly, water will constantly drain into the overflow.
- Adjust the Overflow Pipe Height: Some overflow pipes are telescopic and can be adjusted for height. Try pulling the top section of the overflow pipe upwards to raise its height. If your overflow pipe is not telescopic and is too tall, you might carefully trim a small amount off the top of the pipe with a saw or sturdy scissors. However, be cautious not to cut off too much.
The goal is to ensure that the top of the overflow pipe is slightly higher than the desired water level in your tank. This provides a safety margin while preventing water from constantly draining into the overflow during normal operation.
When to Call a Plumbing Professional
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and your toilet still keeps running, it might be time to call in a qualified plumber. There could be more complex underlying issues or damage to internal plumbing that requires professional expertise.
Consider contacting a licensed plumber if:
- You are uncomfortable working with plumbing components.
- You’ve replaced parts, and the problem persists.
- You suspect a more serious plumbing issue beyond the toilet tank.
- You want a guaranteed solution and peace of mind.
A professional plumber can quickly diagnose the root cause of your running toilet and perform any necessary repairs or replacements efficiently and effectively. While DIY fixes are often successful, sometimes professional help is the best solution to ensure your toilet functions correctly and efficiently.
Don’t let a running toilet waste water and increase your bills. By understanding the common causes and trying these simple DIY fixes, you can often resolve the issue yourself. However, don’t hesitate to call a plumber if you need further assistance.
