Common Home Repairs: Repairing a Running Toilet

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.