A running toilet is a common problem that every homeowner has to deal with on occasion, and all the online searches for “How do I fix my running toilet?” suggest that many homeowners scramble to figure out how to do it themselves. The first thing to do is turn the toilet shut-off valve clockwise. That will stop the water running and give you time to figure out what to do next. If there’s something wrong with that valve, then stop what you’re doing, and call Christian now at (215) 488-5795 for immediate assistance.
How a Toilet Works in a Nutshell
It helps to know how a toilet basically works when determining “How do I fix my running toilet?”. Water is provided to the toilet tank through a supply line that is opened and closed via a fill valve. The flapper at the bottom of the tank creates a seal. When you press the toilet handle, that seal is broken, the water from the tank flushes into the toilet, and the fill valve is opened. Water enters the tank once again until the toilet float reaches the set water level at which point the fill valve closes.
Common New Installation Mistakes
The next step in figuring out “How do I fix my running toilet?” is identifying the root cause. If you’ve just installed a new toilet, there are some common installation mistakes homeowners can make that can cause this. These include cutting the overflow tube too short, making the valve chain length too short, and setting the water level too high, which causes water to run continuously into the overflow tube. If the toilet is running intermittently, then there’s likely a leak from the bolts at the bottom of the tank.
My Toilet Has Started Running Suddenly
More often than not, when a toilet starts to run suddenly, it’s either the flapper or flush valve. Flappers will wear out or get grungy over time, and this will often result in a phantom flush, which is when the toilet runs for a bit and then stops and repeats that cycle. You can first try cleaning the flapper, which may work. If it doesn’t, then the flapper seal is bad and needs to be replaced.
Flush valves last between six to seven years with regular use. If yours has gone bad, it’s not fixable in the sense that you replace just the valve. Typically, this requires replacing the entire flush valve assembly, and that can be a bit intimidating for many homeowners because you’re typically dealing with a universal replacement kit and actually have to unscrew the tank bolts and then screw them back on.
Although much less common, it’s also possible that your fill valve has gone bad. This is the valve between the supply line and the toilet. If that is the case, it’s highly recommended that you call a professional as it requires turning off the main water, and mistakes could lead to serious flooding.
When It’s Time to Call in the Pros
While toilet repair may seem simple enough, DIY repairs can result in leaks and even cracked porcelain in the worst cases. A professional plumber can fix your running toilet quickly and at a fair price, and you won’t have to worry about having the right tools or selecting the proper replacement parts.
Trust the Plumbing Pros at Christian
Christian is a family-owned and -operated plumbing company that has served Bucks and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania since 1989. That means that homeowners in this region have been depending on us for more than 30 years. If you’re worrying about “How do I fix my running toilet?”, call Christian today at (215) 488-5795 or contact us online. We’ll fix your toilet fast, at a low price, and give you the peace of mind that you deserve.
