Fix a Running Toilet, Part 3
Still dealing with the continuous sound of a running toilet? Let’s explore a few more DIY options.
If you haven’t read Fix a Running Toilet Part 1 and Part 2, take a minute and do so. Those sections cover some of the most common problems. But if they don’t address your situation, read on!
Step Four: Examine the Float.
The float is the big buoyant ’thing’ that floats on top of the tank’s water supply. As the water level lowers, it triggers a mechanism to let more water into the tank. Once the water level reaches its highest point, the float (and its mechanism) shut the water supply off.
Sometimes the float gets damaged and doesn’t float on the surface of the water. Because it doesn’t reach its highest point, it never tells the other mechanisms to stop the flow of water. Examine the float both visually and by hand. Look and feel for any cracks or leaks, and also determine if the float is empty. It should be nearly as light as a feather when it’s water tight, but if water has crept in it will become heavier.
Step Five: Examine the Float Arm.
The float arm is simply a long rod (usually metal) that joins the float to the other mechanical parts of the toilet. It’s rare, but sometimes the arm gets bent out of shape. If you’ve examined the float and found that it is water tight, it’s possible that a bent arm is the culprit.
Grab the float and gently raise it. If it successfully shuts the water off, you’ve found the problem! Check to see if the arm is adjustable. If it is, shape the arm so that the water shuts off once the float reaches the highest water level (not so high that water flows over the overflow tube). Some arms are adjustable and some aren’t, so don’t press your luck if your isn’t – simply buy a new float and arm at a local hardware or department store. They are cheap (usually only a couple of bucks).
Not the float? Let’s address some other possibilities in Part 4.