Common Home Repairs: Repairing a Running Toilet
Repairing a Running Toilet
Difficulty: (Easy)
Time Needed: (15-30 minutes)
A toilet that constantly runs can waste a lot of water. Often, the cause is a faulty flapper valve, which is easy to replace. Here's a detailed guide to repairing a running toilet:
Tools Needed:
- New flapper valve
- Pliers
- Towel (optional)
Steps:
Turn Off the Water Supply:
- Locate the shutoff valve on the wall behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply.
- Flush the toilet to empty the tank. You may want to use a towel to soak up any remaining water at the bottom of the tank.
Remove the Old Flapper Valve:
- Open the toilet tank lid and set it aside carefully.
- Locate the flapper valve at the bottom of the tank. It is usually attached to the overflow tube with a chain.
- Unhook the flapper from the overflow tube by sliding it off the pegs or disconnecting the hooks.
- Remove the chain from the flush handle lever.
Install the New Flapper Valve:
- Attach the new flapper to the overflow tube by sliding it onto the pegs or hooking it into place.
- Connect the new chain to the flush handle lever. Ensure the chain has a slight slack but is not too loose, which can cause it to tangle or too tight, which can prevent a proper seal.
Adjust the Chain Length:
- Test the flapper by pressing the flush handle. The flapper should lift easily and then drop back into place, creating a tight seal.
- Adjust the chain length if needed. The flapper should fully cover the drain when in the down position.
Turn the Water Supply Back On:
- Turn the shutoff valve counterclockwise to restore the water supply.
- Allow the tank to fill, then flush the toilet a few times to ensure the new flapper is working properly and the toilet is no longer running.
Tips:
- Ensure the new flapper valve is compatible with your toilet model.
- If the toilet still runs after replacing the flapper, check for other potential issues such as the fill valve or flush handle.