4 Quick Steps to Stop a Running Toilet
April 01, 2010, By Greg Hoard 2 comments
A toilet that won’t shut off is not only noisy and bothersome, but wastes a great amount of water. It can be an easy fix or one that takes some time and a trip to the hardware store, but if you can fix it yourself it’s a lot less expensive than calling a plumber.
First, let’s understand the possible causes. If the water keeps running after a flush, the water is going above the overflow tube. You need to get the water to a lower level. If it’s below the overflow tube and it continues to run, the problem is probably with the ball or the flapper inside the toilet. That’s the most common problem.
Mechanics are key here. When you push the handle down, you are just pulling the plug allowing the water to go from the tank to the bowl.
If the plug doesn’t seat properly or if the ball or flapper has deteriorated, the toilet continues to run because the water never gets high enough to tell the valve to quit supplying water.
Here’s how you determine what the problem is. Put a little food coloring in the tank. Let it stand for 25 minutes to an hour. If the color starts to show up in the bowl you don’t have a proper seal. Here’s what to do to solve the problem and determine if there are others.
Step One: Check the guide or chain on the tank stopper. If the rod is bent or the chain lines are twisted, just straighten them out.
Step Two: Take a look at the float mechanism. If lifting the ball up stops the water from running, try bending the float arm down to attain the right buoyancy. If the ball has water in it, it needs to be replaced. Unscrew it from the arm and put a new one in its place.
Step Three: If the toilet continues to run, the valve seat and stopper may have corrosion or build up preventing the stopper from closing. Lift the stopper up and check for any objects or substance that might prevent a tight seal. Gently scour the seat and the rim. If there is a great deal of damage or corrosion, replace the stopper and valve seat.
Step Four: The flush valve assembly may have to be replaced if the toilet is still running. Take the old parts with you when purchasing new inside gaskets and assemblies to insure a perfect match. If the shaft of the assembly is cracked, the shaft and assembly will need to be replaced. Again, take the flush valve assembly with you to get a perfect match.
It’s not nearly as hard or as complicated as it sounds. However, I’ve always found that a ball cap and sunglasses comes in handy. Walking into the hardware store with the guts of a toilet under your arm has always left me a little unsettled. Some anonymity eases the experience.
Greg Hoard is the senior writer and former editor of Cincinnati Profile magazine. He is a featured contributor to ManoftheHouse.com.
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