Replace These 3 Parts to Fix Your Constantly Running Toilet

After flushing your toilet, you expect it to run for a few moments as the tank refills with water to prepare for the next flush. But what if that running goes on and on for longer than it should? Not only is it annoying to hear a constantly running toilet, but it’s also inconvenient for the next time you need to flush the toilet since it won’t have as much flushing power.

If your toilet is constantly running, try these three DIY fixes before calling a professional:

Adjust the Fill Height

This adjustment refers to the amount of water that is in the tank and bowl. After flushing, the water will refill back to the fill height to prepare for the next flush. Most modern toilets use a cylindrical mechanism that sinks and floats to control the fill height. Older toilets use a ballcock mechanism that consists of a float attached to an arm that swings down and rises as water begins to refill.

By setting the fill height, you may be able to stop a toilet from running. Toilets with the fill height set too low will always run while a high fill height runs the risk of overflowing. It’s best to keep this setting at a happy medium to prevent overflowing and keep your toilet running for the appropriate amount of time.

Change the Flapper

The flapper is a rubber disk or plug that sits in the drain of the tank. The flapper is attached to a chain. When the toilet is flushed, the flapper is pulled out of the drain and the water from the tank rushes down into the bowl to flush the toilet. Over time, the flapper can become worn-out or damaged. When this happens, it may not seal the tank properly and can result in a toilet that is always running. Check your flapper to ensure the chain is the correct length and also look for any bubbles, ridges or other signs of wear and tear on the flapper before changing it.

Check the Fill Tube

As a small, skinny tube, the fill tube works to siphon water into the overflow tank and back into the toilet bowl after flushing. It’s possible for the fill tube to become dislodged or worn-out. In these cases, if the water is not making it into the overflow tank, your toilet will constantly run. Make sure the fill tube is correctly positioned and the end of it is not below the water line.

If you have replaced and checked these items and your toilet is still running all the time, call the professionals at Lodder Brothers Limited in Waterloo, ON. Call 226-780-4479 for immediate help with your toilet issues.