What to Do About a Toilet Running
Having a noisy running toilet is more than just an annoyance. It not only wastes water, it can also overload a septic system and increase your water bill as well. If your toilet is running constantly, you need to get it fixed. This article will present some basic plumbing ideas for how to fix a running toilet.
How a Toilet Flushes. Water in the toilet’s fill tank is held in check by a rubber fill valve which is attached to a handle by a chain or some similar material. Pushing down on the flush handle raises the fill, or flush valve, allowing the tank’s contents to rapidly drain into the toilet bowl below. The amount of water held by the tank is controlled by a float-and-fill valve assembly.
How a Toilet Tank Refills. As the water drains out of the tank, the float lowers and opens a valve to the water supply line thereby refilling the tank. When the tanks fill valve falls back into place water begins to refill the tank. Once the water level has risen to the proper level the float closes the water supply valve. Now the toilet is primed for the next time it is called into service.
Toilet Repair Massapequa NY. The usual reason a toilet keeps running is the fill valve and float assembly. The fill valve assembly consists of a float, or ball-cock and a valve that turns the water supply on and off. These are the only moving parts that are prone to wear and deterioration over time. The valve stem may become clogged or corroded, or the float and its attaching rod may become misaligned or even broken.
Basic Toilet Repair. If the fill valve doesn’t close properly and shut off the supply of water when the tank is full, the float rod that attaches to the float ball may not be lifting the rod high enough. Try gently bending the rod to increase the ball’s position. The water level in the tank should not be more than 3/4 inch below the top of the overflow tube.
If the float ball has water in it, replace it with a new one. However, if the water continues to flow after the water has reached the proper level, the fill valve may have sediment or mineral deposits preventing it from closing properly. Replace the assembly, as it is just as inexpensive to replace the entire assembly with modern fill control devices that are available in most discount stores. Be sure to turn off the water supply before removing the fill valve assembly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when replacing the fill valve assembly.
Replacing a Worn Flush Valve. A worn flush valve is another reason why a toilet constantly running. The flush valve could be worn or misshapen, or the drain hole may have a build up of sediment or minerals thereby preventing it from closing entirely. Turn off the water supply, drain the tank and scrub the valve seat with suitable cleaning pad or sandpaper. You may have to replace the flush valve (some tanks have a “flapper ball” or a “stopper ball”), if necessary. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.