Common Toilet Problems and How to Fix Them

When a toilet runs constantly, meaning water is constantly flowing into the tank through the fill valve, it wastes water and costs money. The problem is usually in the fill tank.

Solutions

• If the water level in the tank is dropping, check the flapper. If it’s not sealing the flush valve opening, water from the tank will leak into the bowl, and the toilet will run constantly to keep the tank filled. Replace the flapper as needed. If the flapper appears to be in good shape or replacing it doesn't solve the problem, you may need to replace the entire flush valve assembly.
• If the tank isn’t emptying or the water level is spilling into the overflow tube, the fill valve may need cleaning or replacing. If you have an older-model fill valve or ball cock, this would be a good time to replace it with a new fill valve. Alternately, debris in the fill valve can prevent the water shut-off mechanism from working correctly. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning out debris from your fill valve.

Address a leaking toilet as soon as you notice a problem. Water will damage your floor and subfloor. You may be dealing with wastewater, so wear waterproof gloves when cleaning up the leak.

Solutions

• If you identify a leak where the supply line enters the toilet, check the supply line connection to the toilet and tighten it if needed. Make sure the fill valve assembly is properly secured to the bottom of the tank. Then check the supply line. If you see damage or if it’s more than 5 years old, replace the supply line.
• If there’s a toilet base leak where the tank connects to the toilet bowl, check the bolts that secure the tank to the bowl and tighten them if needed. If the bolts are tight and the leak persists, replace the bolts and the gasket between the tank and toilet base. Lastly, check for cracks in the tank. If the tank is cracked, you may be able to replace only the toilet tank. If not, replace the entire toilet.
• For leaks where the toilet meets the floor and/or there are water stains on a ceiling below the bathroom, check the mounting bolts that secure the toilet to the floor. If necessary, make sure the toilet is in the right position and tighten the bolts. If tightening the bolts doesn’t fix the leak or if the bolts are damaged, you’ll need to uninstall the toilet and check the bolts, the toilet anchor flange that holds the bolts, and the wax ring that seals the connection between the toilet and the waste pipe.
• If there’s water dripping from the side of the tank, check for cracks in the tank. If the tank is cracked, you may be able to replace only the toilet tank. If not, replace the entire toilet. If the tank isn’t cracked, the water may be condensation caused by cool water entering the tank in the warmer, humid bathroom. Run your bathroom exhaust fan as needed to ensure proper ventilation. Condensation can also result from a leaking flapper, as cool water will constantly be entering the warmer tank as the tank drains. Replace the flapper as needed.
  

A clogged or slow-flushing toilet may be the result of a clog or a problem with the flush handle, flapper, lift chain or water level.

Solutions

• If you have a clogged toilet, turn off the water supply valve as soon as you notice the toilet isn’t flushing properly. This can help prevent the bowl from overflowing. Learn how to unclog a toilet.
• If the toilet doesn’t flush, check the flush handle and adjust as needed if it’s too loose or too tight. Flush handles are usually reverse threaded, which means you’ll turn the nut clockwise to loosen and counterclockwise to tighten. Then check the flush lever lift arm and adjust or replace as needed. If you must replace the handle/lift arm assembly, it’s a good idea to take it with you to the store to make sure you get the correct replacement. Check the lift chain and make sure it’s properly attached to the lift arm and the flapper at the base of the flush valve. Untangle or adjust as needed. Lastly, make sure the flapper seals the flush valve opening. If the flapper is damaged or warped, replace it.
• If the toilet doesn’t flush completely, make sure there’s not too much slack in the lift chain. Adjust as needed. Also, check for a proper water level in the tank. Adjust the fill level according to manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the flapper is installed properly and is the correct size and type for your toilet. Replace the flapper if necessary.

Still stuck? Get more information about fixing a weak-flushing toilet.

A slow-filling toilet may be a symptom of a problem with the water supply valve.

Solution

• For a slow-filling toilet, make sure the water supply valve is fully open. Then check the fill valve assembly in the tank and clear any debris according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

See how to check these elements and get more tips from our guide on repairing a slow-filling toilet.

Noisy or slamming lids can be annoying, and they can damage your toilet. The toilet seat hinges may need maintenance, or you may need to upgrade the toilet seat.

Solutions

• To quiet down a noisy toilet seat, spray lubricant on the seat hinges and open and close the seat and lid several times to distribute it. If the noise continues, replace the toilet seat hinges.
• If the toilet seat lid is slamming, replacing the current toilet seat with a slow-close lid may be necessary. If you don’t want to switch out your current seat, installing bumpers, included in some toilet repair kits, can reduce noise and impact when the cover closes. If you already have a slow-close lid, but it’s not closing slowly enough, the hinges may be loose or misaligned. Readjust the hinges and re-tighten the nuts and screws.

Slamming the toilet seat or lid (see above) can crack the seat. Regular wear and tear can also age a toilet seat, and replacing it is an easy way to spruce up the bathroom.

Solution

• Replace a cracked or old toilet seat by first measuring the old seat, including the distance between the bolts, to get the right fit. Then select a new toilet seat that will fit your toilet. To remove the old seat, take off the bolt covers and bolts connecting the old seat. Place the new seat over the toilet, place the bolts through the hinges and into the holes in the toilet, place the nuts and tighten them clockwise, and put the plastic covers over the hinges.

Running water and unnecessary flushes can be frustrating. They may indicate that the water supply valve, refill tube, flapper and/or flush valve need some maintenance.

Solutions

• If there’s a constant sound of water running, check the information above in The Toilet Is Constantly Running section. Make sure the water supply valve is fully open.
• If the toilet flushes when not in use, also called ghost flushing, check the information above in The Toilet Is Constantly Running and The Toilet Leaks sections.
• Check to see that the refill tube running from the fill valve isn’t inserted into the overflow tube. Remove it and secure it outside of the tube if needed. Ensure the flapper seals the flush valve opening. Also, clean away any sediment that may be preventing a good seal and replace the flapper if necessary. If the steps above don’t solve the ghost flushing, replace the entire flush valve assembly.

If the toilet handle is too loose or too tight, it can create problems. You may need to tighten or loosen the mounting nut to resolve the issue.

Solutions

• If the toilet handle sticks in the down position, making the toilet run constantly, make sure the handle mounting nut inside the tank isn’t too tight. Loosen it slightly if needed. Flush handles are usually reverse threaded, which means you’ll turn the nut clockwise to loosen. Next, clean the handle mounting nut and the shaft threads so the handle operates smoothly. Make sure the flush arm is pulling up the chain and opening the flapper correctly. Adjust the arm or chain as needed.
• If the toilet handle is too loose, clean any debris or buildup from around the handle mounting nut inside the tank. Tighten the mounting nut carefully so the handle moves smoothly. Flush handles are usually reverse threaded, which means you’ll turn the nut counterclockwise to tighten.

If your toilet moves when you sit on it, it may be because the flange is higher than the floor. Rocking may eventually lead to leaks because it’s straining the wax seal.

Solution

• To fix a rocking toilet, steady it with plastic shims underneath the base and caulk it. Also, tighten — but don’t overtighten — the nuts at the base.

Find out more about how to caulk. 

Need help? Contact Lowe’s for professional installation services.

If the water levels are too high in your toilet bowl, it can be an indicator that the water is constantly running, which can potentially cause overflow issues and run up your water bill. If the water level is too low, it can cause clogs. We'll explain how to fix several problems including: how to adjust the water level in your toilet bowl, how to adjust a toilet float, how to raise the water level in a toilet bowl and more. 

Water Level is Too High
Typically, the water level should fill half of the toilet bowl. If it's higher than that, here are a few things you can try.

• Try unclogging the toilet with a plunger. If that doesn't work, use an auger. You can also try pouring hot water or a drain cleaner into the toilet bowl.
• Take the lid off the toilet bowl and see what kind of float you have. If it's a ball with a metal arm, then check the ball to see if it's corroded or cracked. If so, you'll need to replace it. If it's not, then try turning the screw on the arm counterclockwise. 
  
• If you have a float that's a cylindrical shape, adjust the clip on the long tube that's connected to the fill valve.
  
• If these suggestions don't work, contact a professional.
  

Water Level is Too Low
If you have little to no water in the toilet bowl, here are some possible fixes:

• Adjust the arm on your ball float by turning the screw clockwise.
• Adjust the arm on your cylinder float by adjusting the clip lower on the adjustment stem.
• If you've tried to fix your ball or cylinder float and it doesn't work, then you may need to replace a leaky valve. Replacing a valve is an easy, inexpensive fix by unscrewing a locknut and installing a new valve.
• It's also possible that you have a hairline crack in your toilet bowl. If so, it's best to replace the entire toilet.

If the toilet bowl isn’t filling with water after you flush, ensure the refill tube — a small hose that runs from the fill valve to the overflow tube at the center of the tank — is in place and working. As the tank refills, water should flow from the refill tube into the overflow tube and fill the bowl. Reposition or reconnect the tube if necessary. If it’s not sending water to the bowl or not sending enough water, check the tube for debris. If the tube is clear, try to fine-tune the water level and refill rate using an adjustment screw or dial on the fill valve assembly. If these steps don’t fix the problem, you might need to replace the fill valve.

Blockages in the inlet holes under the rim of the bowl can affect how the bowl refills. Clean under the rim thoroughly to remove any obstructions. If there are hard water deposits blocking the inlets, you can pour vinegar into the overflow tube and let it soften the deposits for a couple of hours. Then scrub under the rim to remove the deposits.

If the toilet bowl isn’t holding water, you may have a crack in the bowl or base. Check for water around the base of the toilet. You’ll need to replace the bowl if it’s cracked.

A clogged plumbing vent is another possibility if the bowl isn’t holding water. These vents are pipes that extend out of the roof, allowing the plumbing system to pull in air so your toilets, sinks, tubs, etc. drain properly. A clogged vent can allow the system to draw water out of the bowl and into the house drain. Contact a professional plumber to check your vents if you suspect a clog.

If the toilet isn’t flushing correctly or is running constantly, try replacing the flapper or adjusting the float or fill valve with the attached screw or dial. If these steps don’t correct the problem, you might need to replace the fill valve and float.

If the bowl isn’t filling properly, check to see if the water supply valve is fully open. Make sure the refill tube running from the fill valve to the overflow tube is in place and sending water to the bowl. Try adjusting the fill valve to regulate the amount of water it sends to the bowl.

Water on the floor under the tank may indicate a leak in the supply line or a leak at the fill valve. Check the connections and replace the supply line or fill valve if necessary. Water at the tank-to-bowl connection point might indicate you need to replace the flush valve, the gasket that seals the connection or both. Water around the toilet base may indicate you need to replace the wax ring. Leaks can also be signs of cracks in the toilet itself. A crack can’t be fixed. You’ll need to replace the tank or bowl.

If you can’t find the source of your problem or solve the problem, contact a professional plumber.

Many toilet repairs can be do-it-yourself jobs even for beginner DIYers. Replacing a supply line, fill valve, handle or flapper is typically a job that’s relatively quick and simple. Just be sure to turn off the water supply, protect your floor from drips and follow the instructions for your repair parts. Universal repair kits make fixing a toilet even simpler for a DIYer.

Replacing a flush valve or a wax seal and repairing a broken flange are usually messier and a little more complex, but these can also be DIY tasks.

Take a look at our guide to toilet parts and how to repair them for tips on fixing a toilet yourself. If you’re unsure about working on a toilet, contact a professional plumber.