How To Fix A Running Toilet, Part 4

Still can’t figure out what’s causing your toilet to run? Here’s an easy way to diagnose and fix some very common problems.

If you haven’t done so, you might want to read How To Fix A Running Toilet, Part 1; How To Fix A Running Toilet, Part 2 and How to Fix A Running Toilet, Part 3. Some of the most common problems are addressed in those sections. But if you’ve read them all and are still beating your head against a wall, keep reading.

Step Six: Examine The Toilet Overflow Tube.

The Overflow Tube is the long, hollow, tower-looking pipe that stands up vertically within the toilet tank, usually located in the middle of the tank. It’s designed as a fail safe device that prevents the tank from overflowing with water if something goes wrong. Actually, if your toilet is constantly running you should be thankful for this little tube, as it’s what’s sending that excess water down to the bowl rather than over the top of the tank lid.

Take a look at the tube. Is the water level high enough so that it’s overflowing into it? If so, the toilet mechanical systems are malfunctioning and not stopping the water supply!

If the water level isn’t near the over flow tube, you can skip ahead to How To Fix A Running Toilet, Part 5. Otherwise, read on!

Step Seven: Test The Toilet Fill Valve.

Before attempting this next step, check the toilet float and float arm assembly again (it’s discussed in How To Fix A Running Toilet, Part 3).

If the toilet float and float are are working properly, there’s a good chance the fill valve is leaky or has failed. The Fill Valve is another vertical, tower-like mechanical piece that refills the tank after/during a flush. It’s easy to identify because the float is attached to it.

If the Fill Valve fails, the it won’t shut off the water supply. Fortunately there’s a very easy way to test this.

Start by shutting the off the water supply to the toilet, which is usually controlled by an easily accessible valve along the toilet’s water supply line. With the water supply shut off, flush the toilet. You’ll notice that once the water left the tank, it never refilled. That’s good – that’s what we want.

Step Eight: Examine The Toilet Fill Valve.

This next step requires both hands, but it isn’t tricky. With one hand, raise the float to it’s highest position. With the other, open up the water supply valve outside of the toilet. It’s important to keep the float at it’s highest position because it tricks the toilet fill valve into thinking the tank is full.

Now, examine the toilet fill valve. There shouldn’t be any water coming out of it at all. If there is, you’ve got a leaky toilet fill valve. These are simple and inexpensive to replace.

Go ahead and let the float drop after you’re done examining. It will fill the toilet tank back up with water so you can use the toilet again.

Still can’t find the problem? Click on over to Part 5.