If you’ve got a toilet that is running around the clock, you may be at the end of your rope. The sound of a constantly running toilet is enough to drive you crazy. Add to that the knowledge that you are throwing money away by wasting water; a running toilet can present a very frustrating situation for a homeowner.
The good news is that even the most amateur DIY enthusiast can tackle this project. All you need is a little patience, a little perseverance, and some handy how-to tips.
Fix the Flapper
The flapper is the piece that will help control the water flow on and off after you flush the toilet. One potential problem is that the flapper is stuck open. Another potential cause for your problem is that the flapper is cracked or that the seal is broken. In all of these cases, water will keep flowing into the bowl even when it shouldn’t.
Observe if it sticks open when you flush and then adjust. To see if it needs replacement, press down on it when you flush. If this extra pressure stops the flow, then you’ve got to get a new flapper. Generally, installation instructions are attached to the new piece when you buy it.
Fill Height Problems
Another trick to try is to adjust the fill height. There is a line in your toilet that will tell you where the water should fill to. To start, make sure that the fill valve is on properly. Next, check your float height. You may have a ball float; to adjust the height, you should be able to bend the arm so that the float will adapt to where you need it to be.
If you have a cup type float, you need to move the spring clip fasteners to get the float to the right level. This should help take care of the running toilet. If not, you can move on down your potential problem checklist.
Fix the Fill Tube
When your tank is filling, water flows from the fill valve through the fill tube into the overflow tube. The fill tube helps regulate the flow of water by directing excess water to be siphoned off through the overflow tube.
If the tube is cracked, water won’t flow properly through. Furthermore, if the end of the tube is submerged, it’s not going to work either.
To fix the fill tube, it might be enough to simply cut some of the tube back. If it is actually cracked, you’ll need to replace it with a new one.
Plumbing problems of any kind can cause major headaches for homeowners.
We are proud to be able to provide you with the help you need right away so that you can rest easy knowing your plumbing is in good hands. Call Knight Plumbing Inc. Inc. Inc. today servicing the Milwaukee, WI area at (414) 423-7376.