A constantly running toilet can waste a lot of water and cause you to spend more money. Follow these steps if your toilet will not stop running water:
Step 1: Open the lid to the toilet tank. The tank includes all the inner workings of the toilet. Look inside to see if anything is tangled or unattached.
Step 2: Adjust the lift chain. Jiggle the toilet handle to free up the lift chain. If the toilet stops running, adjust the chain inside the tank. The chain may become wrapped around the lift arm and you may need to adjust the position of the chain. Simply disconnect the hook from its slot and reconnect at the next slot on the float arm. If this doesn’t work, check to see if the float arm has become disconnected. The top of the float should be slightly above the water level.
Step 3: Check for leaks with a dye tablet. Dye tabs are available at most hardware and plumbing supply stores. After flushing, simply drop the dye tablet into the bowl as the water begins to fill back up. If you tank is leaking, the water will begin to turn the same color as the tablet. The flapper valve that does not seal properly may be the culprit. For an easy fix, turn off the shut-off valve located below the tank and flush the toilet to “empty it.” Remove the flapper and replace it with a new one. If the flapper valve seat is cracked, you will have to replace the entire unit. You can find one at any local hardware store.
Step 4: Check the ball-cock assembly. If you have followed the previous steps and everything seems to be in working order, you may need to replace the ball-cock assembly. First, empty the tank and then replace the ball-cock assembly using an assembly kit. Make sure the follow the instructions carefully.
If you are still experiencing toilet problems, try consulting a professional. TalkLocal will connect you to a reliable plumbing contractor in minutes!
