What is a running toilet?
A running toilet is a common plumbing problem that can be annoying and costly. It occurs when the toilet continues to fill and empty water without being flushed. This can be caused by a variety of problems, ranging from a worn out flapper valve to a cracked toilet bowl.
How to identify a running toilet
The first step in fixing a running toilet is to identify the cause. The most common signs of a running toilet are:
- A constantly running water sound
- A continuous flow of water from the tank into the bowl
- The water level in the tank is higher than normal
Common Causes of a Running Toilet
Once you have identified that your toilet is running, the next step is to determine the cause. The most common causes of a running toilet are:
Flapper Valve
The flapper valve is the most common cause of a running toilet. It is located at the bottom of the tank and is responsible for controlling the flow of water from the tank into the bowl. If the flapper valve is worn out or not properly adjusted, it will not close properly and will cause the toilet to run continuously.
Fill Tube
The fill tube is the tube that connects the fill valve to the overflow tube. If the fill tube is not properly connected or is clogged, it can cause the toilet to run continuously.
Cracked Toilet Bowl
A cracked toilet bowl can also cause a running toilet. The water will leak out of the crack and cause the toilet to continuously fill and empty water.
How to Fix a Running Toilet
Once you have identified the cause of the running toilet, the next step is to fix it. Depending on the cause, the repair can be as simple as replacing a worn out flapper valve or as complex as replacing a cracked toilet bowl.
Replace the Flapper Valve
If the flapper valve is worn out or not properly adjusted, it will need to be replaced. To replace the flapper valve, turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to empty the tank. Then remove the flapper valve from the tank and replace it with a new one.
Adjust the Fill Tube
If the fill tube is not properly connected or is clogged, it will need to be adjusted. To adjust the fill tube, turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to empty the tank. Then check the connection between the fill tube and the overflow tube and make sure they are connected properly.
Replace the Toilet Bowl
If the toilet bowl is cracked, it will need to be replaced. To replace the toilet bowl, turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to empty the tank. Then remove the old toilet bowl and replace it with a new one.
Conclusion
A running toilet can be annoying and costly. By identifying the cause of the running toilet and following the steps to fix it, you can save yourself time and money.
