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 to minimize damage to 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 connection to the toilet and tighten it if needed. Make sure the fill valve assembly is properly secured to the bottom of the tank. If the supply line is damaged or it’s more than five years old, replace it.
• If there’s a 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, washers and gasket between the tank and toilet bowl. 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 toilet base leaks where the toilet meets the floor or where 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 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. A leaking flapper can also cause condensation as cool water refills a warmer tank.

A 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, adjust 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.

Is your toilet still not flushing correctly? 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.

Running water and unnecessary flushes can be frustrating. They may indicate that the water supply valve, refill tube, flapper, flush valve or a combination of these needs 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 strain the wax seal and eventually lead to leaks.

Solution

• To fix a rocking toilet, steady it with plastic shims underneath the base. Trim the shims and caulk the base. 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.

Check the specifications for your toilet, but typically, the water level should fill about one third to one half of the toilet bowl. If the water level is too high in your toilet bowl, it can mean the water is constantly running, which can increase your water bill. If the water level is too low, the toilet can clog more easily. Learn how to raise the water level in a toilet bowl, how to lower it, how to adjust a toilet float, and more.

Solutions for a High Water Level

• Try unclogging the toilet with a plunger. If that doesn’t work, use a toilet auger.
• If you have a cylindrical float, adjust the knob on the long tube that’s connected to the fill valve.
• Take the lid off the toilet bowl and see what kind of float you have. If it’s a ball with a metal arm, check the ball to see if it’s corroded or cracked. If so, you’ll need to replace it. If it’s in good shape, try turning the screw on the arm counterclockwise.

Solutions for a Low Water Level

• 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 adjusting the float doesn’t improve the water level, you may need to replace a leaky fill valve. Turn off the water supply valve and drain the tank. Disconnect the supply line, unscrew the valve locknut and install a new valve. Reconnect the supply line, turn on the water and check for leaks.

If these suggestions don’t work, contact a professional.