Is there a quick, ready and inexpensive way to fix a running toilet?

Vicki
by Vicki
I'm a new homeowner and am on a very limited budget. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
  5 answers
  • Laurie Laurie on May 18, 2017

    You probably need to replace the "flapper" that opens and closes at the bottom of the tank. It's a cheap fix, be sure to look for just the "flapper" and not the entire flushing mechanism.

  • Will Hudson Will Hudson on May 18, 2017

    there's a few things to check. there is a flap that covers the hole that drains the water into the bowl. check to see if it tight or the part could be old and needs replacing, the part is rather cheap. the next thing to check would be the float if it's set wrong it could cause the water to be too high and it would cause the water to continuously go down the overflow tube. there's plenty of how-to's on the net that would help you go through these processes.

  • Rob Halley Rob Halley on May 18, 2017

    Follow this link to Home Depot and replace the entire tank hardware kit with this- http://www.homedepot.com/p/Universal-Toilet-Fill-Valve-400ARP25/100554467  ; This is the cheapest ($6.34 /each) and easiest (Height adjusts 9 in. - 14 in.) solution. Make sure you've got Teflon tape to seal the threads. Here are the installation instructions- http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pdfImages/a2/a2944694-a11b-458a-9b14-0959ab28ee10.pdf ;

  • Gregg Conway Gregg Conway on May 18, 2017

    There are three possible problems that may be causing this running toilet. A running toilet means either the tank on the toilet is losing water or the fill valve is damaged. Check these things in this order of expense...


    1. Make sure the tank water level is not high enough that water is escaping down the bowl fill tub in the center. Even a trickle will eventually cause the fill valve to open and a decent flow will cause it to never stop running at all. There is no reason to allow the tank level to be within an inch or so of the top of this tube. Adjust your tank float to close the fill valve sooner (at a lower level). Some systems have a metal rod with a float attached that you can bend down a little. Some systems have a screw that you can adjust that closes the valve sooner.


    2. The flapper at the bottom of the tank is letting water escape. Sometimes the chain connecting the flush handle to the flapper is long enough to get under the flapper. This is why we have all heard to "shake the handle" of a running toilet. It pulls the chain from under the flapper or causes the old flapper to seat properly. Sometimes the flapper is damaged due to age and will never seat properly. Even if you replace the flapper, the cost is just a few dollars.


    3. If the first two fixes don't work and/or the "running" open valve NEVER stops running, you need to replace the fill valve. These come with a new float an will last a good long while. It is a good DIY project and easy to do for less than 15 dollars.

  • Pg Pg on May 24, 2017

    Try sitting on it, so it won't be able to run away.  Just a bit of levity; I hope you don't mind. Have a terrific day!