What To Do If Toilet Keeps Running

A flapper is a crucial component in a toilet's flush mechanism. It is a rubber or plastic disk or seal located at the bottom of the toilet tank. It is connected to the flush handle by a chain or rod and prevents water from continuing to flow into the bowl.

It also ensures the flapper refills the tank correctly. It stops the flow of water once the tank reaches the appropriate level. If the flapper is damaged or worn out, water in the toilet bowl keeps running.

How to Fix It

You need to check if the flapper is damaged if you want to learn how to stop toilet from running.

Locate the Flapper

The flapper is at the bottom of the toilet tank, attached to the flush handle by a chain or rod, and covers the hole at the bottom of the tank that lets water flow into the bowl.

Inspect the Flapper

Once you have located the flapper, inspect it. Check if the flapper is aligned and seals tightly. Look for signs of wear, such as cracks, warping, or mineral buildup, which could prevent it from closing completely.

If the flapper is damaged or does not sit flush, it will cause the toilet to keep running, as water will continuously leak into the bowl. 

Test the Seal

To test the flapper seal, press down gently on the flapper with your hand while it is in place over the drain hole at the bottom of the tank. Watch to see if the water level in the tank stops fluctuating and if no water is leaking into the bowl.

If you notice that water continues to flow or trickle into the bowl even with the flapper pressed down, it means the flapper is unsealed. In this case, the flapper may be worn out or misaligned and might need to be replaced to stop the toilet from running.

Replace if Necessary

To replace the flapper, turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush it to drain the tank. Disconnect the old flapper from the flush valve by unhooking it from the chain or rod. Take the old flapper to a hardware store to ensure you get a matching replacement.

Install the new flapper by positioning it over the valve seat and attaching it to the flush handle with the chain or rod. Once installed, turn the water supply back on and check to make sure the flapper seals tightly and the toilet stops running.

The chain in a toilet tank is responsible for controlling the water flow. When you operate the flush handle, the chain pulls the flapper up, allowing water to flow from the tank into the bowl.

After the flush, the chain should allow the flapper to fall back into place and seal the drain opening, stopping the water flow and allowing the tank to refill. If the chain is not adjusted correctly, the flapper might not seal properly, causing the toilet to run continuously.

How to Fix It

Here is how to check if the chain is functioning.

Open the Tank

Remove the lid from the tank and set it aside carefully.

Locate the Chain

Inside the tank, you will see various components, including the flush handle, which is attached to a chain. The chain connects this handle to the flapper valve at the bottom of the tank.

The chain is usually connected to the handle on one end and the flapper on the other, allowing the handle to lift the flapper when you flush.

Check Chain Tension

The chain should have enough slack so that when you press the flush handle, the flapper lifts fully but does not get stuck or have too much excess. If the chain is too loose, the flapper may not seal properly, causing the toilet to run continuously.

Conversely, if the chain is too tight, the flapper might not close completely, also leading to running. 

Adjust the Chain

For a Loose Chain: Adjust the chain length by shortening it. You can do this by removing a link or two from the chain. Ensure there is just enough slack for the flapper to lift when you flush, but not so much that it is loose.

For a Tight Chain: Lengthen the chain by moving the hook to a different link or adjusting its connection point, ensuring the flapper seals properly after flushing. 

Test the Flush

To test the flush after the adjustments, press the flush handle as you normally would and observe the tank’s behavior. Watch if the flapper valve lifts properly and closes completely after the flush. Ensure that the water level in the tank rises to the correct level without overflowing into the overflow tube.

If the toilet stops running and does not continue to cycle water through the overflow, the adjustment is likely successful. If the issue persists, you might need to check for other problems.

The float is a device that rises and falls with the water level in the tank. When you flush the toilet, the float drops as the water drains. Once the tank refills, the float rises, signaling the fill valve to stop adding water.

There are generally two types: ball and cylindrical. A ball float is a round float attached to a rod that moves up and down. A cylindrical float is a cylinder or disk that moves up and down along the fill valve.

How to Fix it

To fix the float, you might need to adjust it. Here is how:

Ball Float: To adjust a ball float, look for the adjustment screw. It is a small screw on top of the fill valve that can adjust the height of the ball float. Using a flathead screwdriver, turn the screw clockwise to lower the float and reduce the water level in the tank. But if you want to increase the height of the float to increase the water level, turn the screw counterclockwise.

Cylindrical Float: For cylindrical floats, you might need to adjust the float height by sliding it along the fill valve or using a clip or screw mechanism. If your model has a sliding float, gently move it up or down to adjust the water level. If there is a clip or screw, adjust it to change the float’s height. 

Test The Water Level

After adjustments, check the water level. For that, remove the lid, flush the toilet, and let it refill. Ideally, the water level should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the top of the overflow tube.

If the water level is too high, it will continuously flow into the overflow tube, causing the toilet to run constantly and wasting water. If the water level is too low, the toilet might not flush properly, leaving waste in the toilet bowl. 

The fill valve, or the ballcock, controls the water flow into the toilet tank after a flush. After you flush the toilet, the fill valve opens to refill the tank with water. Once the water reaches a certain level, the fill valve closes to stop the flow.

If the fill valve is malfunctioning, it might not shut off completely, causing continuous running. This could be due to a worn-out valve, debris inside, or a faulty mechanism. Therefore, you might need to adjust or replace the fill valve to learn how to stop a running toilet.

How to Fix It

Adjustment

Some fill valves have an adjustment screw or dial to set the water level. If your water level is too high, adjust it accordingly.

Cleaning

• If the fill valve is clogged with debris, you should clean it. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. Flush the toilet to drain most of the water from the tank. Sponge out any remaining water from the tank to minimize spills.
• Disconnect the hose that connects the fill valve to the overflow tube. This usually involves unscrewing a coupling nut.
• Remove the nut securing the fill valve to the bottom of the tank. You might need to hold the valve inside the tank while loosening the nut from underneath.
• Look inside the valve and the inlet for any debris or mineral buildup. Rinse the fill valve under running water to remove any loose debris. Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub away any stubborn buildup. Be gentle to avoid damaging any parts.
• Place the cleaned fill valve back into position and secure it with the nut. Reattach the hose to the overflow tube. Slowly turn the shut-off valve counterclockwise to restore water flow. Ensure the fill valve operates smoothly and stops the water flow at the correct level.

Replacement

If cleaning does not work, you might need to replace the fill valve. You can purchase a new one at a hardware store. Turn off the water supply, disconnect the old valve, and install the new one following the instructions provided with the new valve. 

Once everything is reconnected, check for leaks around the valve and the water supply line. Tighten any connections if necessary. Flush the toilet a few times to ensure the new fill valve is working correctly and the tank is filling and shutting off as expected.

Checking for leaks involves inspecting different parts of the toilet to ensure there are no water leaks that might be causing the running issue. Here is how you can do it:

Check Around the Tank

To check around the tank, start by inspecting the area where the tank attaches to the toilet bowl. Look closely at the tank bolts, the nuts and bolts securing the tank to the bowl. Over time, these bolts can become loose due to regular use and vibration.

To address this, tighten the bolts with a wrench. Be cautious not to overtighten, as excessive pressure can crack the porcelain. If you notice persistent leaks despite tightening, you may need to replace the washers or gaskets between the tank and the bowl.

Examine the Base of the Toilet

To examine the base of the toilet for leaks, check the area where the toilet meets the floor. Look for any signs of water pooling or dampness around the base. This could indicate a problem with the wax ring. If you find water, press around the base to see if it shifts or feels loose.

Tighten the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor, but be cautious not to over-tighten, as this could crack the porcelain. If the water persists, you might need to remove the toilet to replace the wax ring.

Inspect the Tank to Bowl Gasket

Inspecting the tank-to-bowl gasket involves examining the rubber or foam seal located between the toilet tank and the bowl. This gasket is crucial for preventing leaks. Begin by emptying the water tank. Then, unscrew the tank bolts that hold the tank to the bowl.

Once the tank is lifted off, you will see the gasket. Check for any signs of wear. If the gasket looks damaged or is not seated properly, it is causing leaks. Replace the old gasket with a new one, ensuring it fits snugly before reassembling the toilet. 

Look for Cracks

To check for cracks, examine the tank and the bowl for visible damage. Look for signs of fractures or splits in the exterior of the tank and bowl. Even hairline cracks can lead to leaks and contribute to the running issue.

Pay special attention to areas where the tank meets the bowl and around the rim. Gently press and feel for moisture around these spots to detect hidden leaks. If you find a crack, you might have to replace the damaged part or the entire toilet, depending on the severity of the damage. 

Cleaning the components of your toilet can help resolve issues caused by mineral deposits or buildup. Here is how to do it:

Turn Off the Water Supply

Locate the water shutoff valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply. Flush the toilet to empty the tank.

Clean the Flapper

Remove the flapper by disconnecting it from the flush lever and lifting it off the flush valve. Soak the flapper in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for 30 minutes. This will help dissolve any mineral deposits and buildup.

After soaking, use a soft brush to scrub away any remaining debris or buildup. Rinse the flapper thoroughly with clean water to remove any vinegar residue. Reattach the flapper to the flush valve, ensuring it fits snugly and aligns. Turn the water supply back on and allow the tank to refill.

Clean the Overflow Tube

The overflow tube in the toilet tank prevents the tank from overflowing by directing excess water into the bowl. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate inside and around the tube, causing the toilet to run. To clean the overflow tube, locate the vertical overflow tube in the center of the tank first.

Then, use a small, flexible brush and scrub the inside of the tube. For stubborn deposits, dip the brush in a vinegar solution to help dissolve the minerals. After that, wipe the outside of the tube with a cloth soaked in the vinegar solution.

Reassemble and Test

Once you have cleaned all the toilet parts, place all the components back in their original spot, ensuring everything is attached securely. Ensure the flapper closes and the water level stays where it should, not overflowing into the overflow tube.

Finally, flush the toilet to see if it is working correctly. If it is still running, check for leaks or parts not lined up and adjust as needed. You might need to try a few times until it is fixed.

You should consider calling a professional plumber if:

Persistent Issues

If your toilet keeps running or leaking despite your attempts to fix it, it is a sign that the issue might be more complicated than expected. Sometimes, the problem can be caused by something not easily visible or accessible, like a hidden leak, a crack in the toilet tank, or a malfunctioning internal part.

If the toilet continues to run even after replacing common problem areas like the flapper, it could indicate that the root cause is more severe or technical. In these cases, calling a professional plumber is the best option.

Unidentified Problems

If you have checked all the common causes of a running toilet—like the flapper, fill valve, or float—and nothing seems to be the problem, it might be time to call a professional plumber.

Sometimes, the issue is not obvious, and there could be a more complex or hidden problem within the plumbing system, causing the toilet to run. A professional has the experience and tools to diagnose these harder-to-find issues quickly and accurately. They can identify problems that are not visible or easy to fix with basic troubleshooting.

Water Damage

Water damage around your toilet can be a sign of a serious problem that needs professional attention. If you notice water pooling around the toilet base, stains or discoloration on the floor, or signs of moisture on nearby walls, it could mean a leak.

This leak might come from the toilet’s base or the water supply line. Left unchecked, the leak can lead to mold growth, structural damage to your flooring, or even cause your toilet to become unstable. A professional plumber is better equipped to handle these problems.

Corroded or Broken Parts

If you find corroded or broken parts in your toilet, it’s a good idea to call a professional plumber. Corrosion, often caused by hard water or old age, can weaken metal components like bolts, screws, or the fill valve, making them prone to breaking.

Broken parts, such as a cracked fill valve, damaged flush valve, or a worn-out flapper, can lead to leaks, poor flushing, or a constantly running toilet. These issues can be tricky to fix, especially if the parts are difficult to access or require specific tools.

Low Water Pressure

If your toilet has low water pressure, meaning it’s not filling the tank properly or the flush is weak, it could be a sign of a more significant plumbing issue. This might happen due to a partial blockage in the pipes, problems with the main water supply, or issues with the toilet’s fill valve.

These problems can be tricky to diagnose and fix because they might involve inspecting and repairing parts of your plumbing system that are not easily accessible. In such cases, it is best to call a professional plumber. 

Complex Installations

It is wise to call a professional plumber if you need to replace the toilet or any major components and are not confident doing it yourself. Replacing a toilet involves several steps, like disconnecting the water supply, removing the old toilet, setting the new one in place with a proper seal, and ensuring everything is aligned correctly to avoid leaks.

A professional has the experience and tools to do this quickly and correctly, ensuring your new toilet works perfectly without causing further issues.