Introduction
A running toilet is a common problem that can lead to a wastage of water, higher bills, and inconvenience. If you are experiencing this issue, then fixing it is essential to avoid more significant problems. Many people choose to call a plumber to fix their running toilet, but you can do it yourself and save money. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to fix a running toilet, diagnose and troubleshoot problems, product reviews of toilet repair kits available in the market, and expert interviews with plumbing professionals.
Step-by-Step Guide
To fix a running toilet, the following steps can be taken:
Step 1: Turn off the Water Supply
The first step is to turn off the water supply by turning off the valve behind the toilet. Once you turn off the water supply, flush your toilet to empty the tank completely.
Step 2: Remove the Tank Lid
Remove the tank lid by unscrewing any fasteners holding it in place, then take it off and place it somewhere safe.
Step 3: Check the Flapper
The flapper is the rubber mechanism that raises to allow water in the tank to flow into the bowl when you flush. Check that the flapper is in good condition, with no cracks or tears. If it is damaged, you can easily replace it by removing it from the hinges and putting a new one in its place.
Step 4: Adjust the Water Level
The water level in the tank should be about one inch below the top of the overflow tube. To adjust the water level, you can adjust the float that sits on the end of the chain attached to the flapper. You can bend the float arm downward to make the water level lower or upward to make it higher.
Step 5: Check the Fill Valve
The fill valve fills the tank with water after you flush. Check that the fill valve is in good condition and make sure it is not clogged or malfunctioning. You may need to replace it if it is not working correctly.
Diagnosis and Troubleshooting
Several issues can cause a running toilet:
Leaky Flush Valve
If you notice that water keeps flowing into the bowl even after you have flushed, it means that the flush valve is leaking. You can fix this issue by replacing the flush valve.
Worn-Out Flapper
If your toilet keeps running constantly, it might be due to a worn-out flapper. A worn-out flapper is when it fails to seal correctly, allowing water to continually drain from the tank into the bowl. In this case, replacing the flapper can help solve the problem.
Float Issues
If the water level in the tank is continuously rising, it might be due to a float issue that is not allowing the fill valve to shut off. You can adjust the float by bending the float arm up or down depending on the issue.
Video Tutorial
For a visual demonstration of fixing a running toilet, you can check out our video tutorial.
Product Reviews
Below are some of the best toilet repair kits you can use to fix running toilet problems:
Fluidmaster 400AKRP10 Universal, All In One, Complete Toilet Tank Repair Kit
This repair kit is suitable for most toilets and comes with all the necessary tools and parts to fix your running toilet in no time.
Korky 4010PK Complete Toilet Repair Kit
This kit comes with a universal replacement flapper and can fix various running toilet problems. It is also effortless to install.
TOTO THU500S Replacement Flapper
This flapper is a perfect replacement for your worn-out or damaged flapper and can fix numerous running toilet issues. It is suitable for TOTO toilets.
Expert Interviews
We interviewed plumbing professionals to learn their insights on running toilets:
John Smith, Plumbing Professional
“One of the common reasons for a running toilet is due to a faulty flapper. It allows water to escape the tank and flow into the bowl, causing the toilet to run continuously. It is an easy fix, and you can purchase an affordable repair kit to fix the problem yourself.”
Mark Johnson, Plumbing Professional
“One way to prevent running toilet problems is by carrying out regular maintenance checks. It would help if you checked the flapper, fill valve, flush valve, and other components regularly to ensure they are in good condition. Additionally, using a professional plumber to service your toilet annually can help detect minor problems before they become significant issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fixing a running toilet can be easy and doable. The process requires you to turn off the water supply, check the flapper, adjust the water level, and fill valve. For a more in-depth guide, you can check out our video tutorial. If you experience problems like a worn-out flapper, you can easily replace it with an affordable toilet repair kit. To prevent running toilet problems, you must carry out maintenance checks regularly. We hope this article has provided you with useful insights on how to fix running toilet problems.
