How To Fix A Running Toilet, Part 5

Still can’t trace the cause of your constantly running toilet? Here’s another easy way to test for a common toilet running culprit.

If you haven’t read the first four parts of this series, take a moment and do so, as they address some of the most common problems. Here are the links:

• How To Fix A Running Toilet, Part 1
• How To Fix A Running Toilet, Part 2
• How To Fix A Running Toilet, Part 3
• How To Fix A Running Toilet, Part 4

But if you still can’t figure out why your toilet is running, check out this simple diagnostic test. It’s an almost fail-proof way to test a toilet flapper, but only when you’ve ruled out the possibilities discussed in earlier sections.

Step Nine: Put Food Coloring Into The Toilet Tank.

Use enough to change the water’s color, but don’t use so much that it stains anything. Once you’ve done that, let your toilet sit for an hour or so (and don’t use it!), then examine the toilet bowl. If you notice a hint of color, there’s a good chance your flapper is leaking.

(Note: Plumbing stores often carry a special dye for this purpose, and it is priced relatively cheap, but food coloring usually works just as well and costs much less.)

You’re probably asking, “If the flapper is leaking, why didn’t I notice it earlier?” Sometimes the leak is so subtle that you won’t feel it at all with your hand. But the fact that the water from the tank ended up in the bowl (after you’ve ruled out other possibilities) is almost a tell-tale sign that the flapper is leaky.

If you’ve got a leaking toilet flapper, replace it! It’s an extremely easy fix and the shouldn’t cost a do-it-yourself plumber more than a couple of dollar in parts. And since flappers are almost always the culprit of running toilets, it might be worth your time to change it out even if you DON’T think it’s the problem.

Still can’t put an end to your running toilet blues? Read Part 6.