Plumbing is a vital part of your daily routine. Without it, your quality of life is greatly affected. While a running toilet may not seem like a major plumbing concern initially, it is important to identify the issue as soon as possible and fix it. A running toilet can be a signal for possible, future major issues.
Identify the Issue
The mystery behind a running toilet is enough to drive anyone insane. There are a number of possible scenarios that could cause this issue. To get to the root of the issue, go straight to the source. Take the lid off the back of the toilet’s tank, and set it aside. Flush the toilet a few times and watch the process. When you flush a properly functioning toilet a few things should happen.
- When you press the toilet handle the chain should lift the flapper to let the water in the tank fall into the toilet bowl. The float valve drops at this time, too.
- The flapper drops back down to close the opening once the tank’s water level drops.
- Water should begin to fill the tank back up, using the float valve as a signal to regulate the filling of the tank. Once this float reaches the full position, the arm presses the valve shut again. There is also an overflow tube inside the tank, which drains water out of the bowl if it gets too high.
Quick Fix Solutions
Whether the issue is the flapper, chain or the float valve, choose a possible solution based on what you observed.
- Jiggle the toilet chain a little. Sometimes the chain wraps around the lift arm and just simply needs repositioning. Disconnect the hook from its slot, and reconnect it to the next slot on the float’s arm.
- Is the flapper in the toilet tank not sealing the opening in the tank properly? If this is the case, then it is time for a new flapper.
- Check to see if the float is disconnected. The top of the float should be slightly above the water’s level.
One of the most common questions that we get from our customers is “why won’t my toilet stop running?” Fixing minor toilet issues like a toilet that won’t stop running can sometimes only take a little elbow greese. However, other toilet problems and plumbing repairs need to be left to a licensed professional. If you have tried some of the tips provided and your toilet is still running, contact a reliable plumber at Luquire in Millbrook, AL, today.
