Toilet Repair: How to Fix a Leaking or Running Toilet

The sound of a toilet running has annoyed us all. There may be a continuous flow of water, or it may cycle on and off. As rubber gaskets harden and do not seal, parts corrode, plastic pieces crack, and floats fill with water. A weak flush could be causing the bowl not to fill up, or perhaps the flush isn’t powerful enough. There are many reasons why a toilet might leak or run.

It’s not as hard as you think to fix a running toilet. Below are some steps recommended by the best toilet repair plumbing services experts on how to fix a leaking or running toilet. There is no need to be concerned, as the solutions are not complicated.

You may require a new fill valve, a hacksaw, and pliers to start with the repairing process.

STEP 1: TESTING THE FLAPPER

1. When you hear the water running, push the flapper down with a stick and listen for the run to stop.
2. If the flapper stops, it is not sealing effectively. The flapper needs to be replaced.
3. Ensure that the fill tube is at least ½ inch above the water line and trim it accordingly.
4. Turn off the water supply valve beneath the toilet before replacing the flapper
5. After draining the toilet, remove the old flapper.
6. Install the new flapper according to the package instructions.
7. Put some slack in the flapper chain to eliminate resistance when the flapper is closed.

STEP 2: CHECK FOR LEAKS IN THE FILL VALVE

1. Check the fill valve for leaks by flushing the toilet.
2. Check that the water stops as the toilet fills by lifting the toilet float arm.
3. If the water level is half an inch or less below the top of the overflow pipe, bend or adjust the toilet float arm so it will not fill.
4. You should replace the fill valve if it still leaks.

STEP 3: REMOVE THE OLD TOILET FILL VALVE 

1. Drain the tank, flush the toilet, and sponge away any remaining water.
2. Turn off the water supply line, remove the locknut on the fill valve, and pull out the old fill valve.

STEP 4: REPLACE THE FILL VALVE 

1. Fill the tank according to the instructions and tighten the locknut half a turn beyond hand tight.
2. Using a hacksaw, cut one inch off the overflow pipe if the fill valve is at its full height and the overflow pipe is still above the level-out mark on the fill valve.

STEP 5: ATTACH THE FILL TUBE

1. Connect the fill tube to the fill valve nipple and to the angle adapter (if necessary, shorten the tube to avoid kinks).
2. Attach the angle adapter to the overflow pipe.
3. Connect the flapper chain to the flush lever.
4. Finally fill the toilet with water and flush it.

Fix the toilet and stop wasting water!

You should call your local plumber whenever you feel uncomfortable while performing your repairs. If you have a running toilet, Staton Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is here to fix it right away with an expert solution. With our years of experience, we can troubleshoot the issue within minutes and reduce your water bill.

To ensure that the work is performed correctly, it is important to hire a professional plumber. W L Staton Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers the best toilet repair services in Annapolis if you have any plumbing issues or an emergency.