How to Fix a Running Toilet

Tools and Materials

Tools

Screwdriver
Gloves
Adjustable wrench

Materials

Fill valve
Flapper valve
Paper towel
Flapper

Before You Get Started

Learning how to repair a running toilet requires you to know some of the components that you will be working with. Here is a concise explanation of these components and where you can find them:

Toilet tank: The toilet tank, or simply tank, is the top part of the toilet that holds clean water. It usually has a lid that you will need to remove when fixing a running toilet.
Toilet bowl: The toilet bowl refers to the lower part of the toilet where the waste goes.
Flush valve: A flush valve is located inside the toilet tank. You can access this valve after removing the tank lid. It helps to release the water from the tank to the bowl.
Fill valve: A fill valve is also located inside the tank. You can find it on any one side of the toilet tank. It controls the water refill in the tank after each flush.
Flapper: A flapper is a flexible part made of rubber and is attached to the flush valve. It opens and seals the flush valve opening. You can find it at the base of the flush valve inside the toilet tank.

Caution

After you remove the tank lid, keep it aside safely. Since most lids are not available separately, you might have to replace the whole toilet if the lid breaks.

How to Repair a Running Toilet Quickly

A running toilet can be caused by a faulty fill valve, float, flapper valve or a leak. Follow these steps to fix it:

The first step is to check the cause of overflowing water. To do this, you will need to check the water flow in the toilet bowl and its flush tank.

Water could be flushing through the toilet bowl constantly or after a few intervals of time. Usually, this happens due to a stuck flapper or flush valve.
If the water is flushing at random times, it could be due to a slow leak in the flapper, flush valve. Remember that if there is a problem with the flapper or flush valve, there will be no water on the bathroom floor.
If you notice any amount of water on the floor, it could be due to leakage in the pipe connecting the tank and the toilet bowl. It could also indicate a leakage at the junction of the pipe and fill valve.
Observe if the tank is constantly filling with water without going into the toilet bowl. This often indicates a problem with the fill valve in the tank.

Tip

Wear gloves while replacing the fill valve to prevent any cuts.

Lift the tank lid and carefully set it aside. Locate the flush valve at the center inside the tank. Check if it's stuck in the open position. Gently push it down to close it. If it’s still not closing properly, inspect the flapper for any signs of wear or damage. Follow the below steps to fix it.

Older toilets often have a float ball style fill valve with a chain and flush arm. This chain may get tangled and lead to running water. Check and detangle the chain. The flush arm may also come loose. In such a case, use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nut on this arm.

If your flapper shows signs of wear and damage, it's best to replace it with a new one. Empty the water in the tank completely and turn off the water supply. Disconnect the chain from the flapper. Now unclip the flapper from the bracket and pull it upwards to remove it.

Take a new flapper and connect it to the chain inside the toilet tank. Then connect the flapper to the bracket that previously held the old flapper. Turn the water on to fill the tank completely. Now flush the toilet and check if the flapper drops back into place to seal the tank properly. Make the necessary adjustments in the chain length if needed.

Tip

Wear gloves while fixing the flapper valve to prevent any cuts and fix it slowly to avoid further damage.

Another reason for a running toilet is a faulty float system. The float informs the fill valve when the water supply should be stopped. If the float is not adjusted correctly, the toilet runs continuously. If they do, the water will continue to run.

To fix the float, there is an adjustment screw on the side of the float and by turning it clockwise, the float is lowered while an anti-clockwise turn raises the float. Adjust this accordingly to match the required height and stop the overflow.

If you notice water leakage from the fill valve, check to see if the water is dripping or spraying out. In the case of dripping water, the leakage is often from the junction of the flush valve and the tank. Inspect the rubber seal at the bottom of the valve. There could be a buildup of debris on the rubber seal. Clean it off with a paper towel. If it shows any signs of wear and tear, you might need to get the rubber seal replaced.

If your toilet is still running after you’ve set the float and replaced the flapper valve, there is probably a leak in the system. To identify leaks, you can check for traces of water on the floor around the toilet bowl or in the tank. A minor leak can be fixed with some water sealant. However, a major leak may require replacing the entire toilet.

A running toilet can lead to significant water losses and damage to the bathroom’s structure. However, with a few simple steps, you can repair the toilet and prevent further water leaks.