4 Things to Try if Your Toilet is Continuously Running
Long-distance running can be very beneficial for your health. But if you’re toilet is running for a long period of time, it’s rarely a good thing. When you hear the tank constantly refilling or running when not in use, something inside of the tank is not working properly. Not only can this be annoying but it also wastes water and can cost you extra money.
The good news is that most of the common causes of a running toilet are easy to fix on your own. Here are four things you can try.
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Check and reposition fill tube
The fill tube is a thin, flexible tube that helps refill the bowl after a flush. The fill tube comes out of the top of the fill valve and then should be positioned over the top of the overflow tube. It is usually held in place by a clip. However, if the fill tube falls off or into the overflow tube, it can direct water for the tank into the bowl, which keeps the toilet running. Reposition the fill tube and it should fix the problem.
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Adjust or replace the float
When the tank is refilling, the float rises with the water and shuts off the fill valve when it hits a certain level. It’s possible that the float is getting stuck or not working properly. If the float is set too high, the water will continuously run. However, if the float is set too low, you won’t have enough water in the tank for a productive flush. Adjust the float to the proper level – about an inch under the top of the overflow tube. You may consider replacing an old float if it continues to be an issue.
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Adjust the chain
When you push the toilet handle down to flush, it raises an arm with a small metal chain at the end. It’s the chain that pulls up the flapper that opens the hole from the tank to the bowl. Over time, it’s not uncommon for the chain to get tangled. When this happens, the flapper may not get lowered and reseal the tank. That will cause the toilet to constantly run. Untangle the chain and the toilet should refill like normal.
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Inspect and replace the flapper
As mentioned earlier, the flapper is the part that opens and closes the flush valve. Since the flapper is made of rubber, it can eventually break down and lose its ability to create a water-tight seal. Even if a small amount of water trickles from the tank to the bowl, you will periodically hear the toilet run to refill. The good news is that the flapper can be easily replaced. The part is available at most home improvement stores.
Call a professional plumber
If these solutions don’t fix the issue, you don’t have to put up with a toilet that constantly refilling. Instead, call the experts at Reichelt Plumbing at (219) 322-4906. One of our licensed plumbers will come to your home and fix the toilet so it runs the way it should.