Q&A for How to Fix a Running Toilet

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    My toilet runs on its own intermittently. I replaced the flapper and the whole tank ball mechanism, but when I flush the toilet, the tank water doesn't fill up to the tank fill line. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    The next step would be to adjust the float to bring up the water level to the fill line.
  • Question
    Why is there a whistling noise when the toilet is flushed?
    Adrian
    Top Answerer
    Whistling, foghorn, or mechanical noises, etc., are signs of a broken valve. You will need to replace it.
  • Question
    How do I fix a fill valve that is leaking?
    Community Answer
    The most common leaks are from the bottom of the tank or the bottom of the bowl. For a leak from the bottom of the tank, you may need to replace the tank-to-bowl gasket which can dry-rot with age. Set the tank square on the bowl, and alternate tightening the left and right screws by pushing down on each side that you are tightening. Be careful not to overtighten the bolts, or you may crack the porcelain tank. For a leak from bottom of bowl, replace the wax doughnut with a new one or use a newer composite material. You can find the necessary supplies at a local hardware store.
  • Question
    How do I stop a toilet from hissing when I flush it?
    Community Answer
    Some fill valves hiss to release pressure. When the hissing is obnoxious or excessive, you can replace the fill valve as newer ones don't hiss as much.
  • Question
    Why is there not enough water in the bowl?
    Community Answer
    Because there is not enough water in the main tank. Check the water level in the main tank to make sure it is at or close to the fill line, then flush again.
  • Question
    It's leaking from the bottom. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    There should be a knob you can turn to shut off water going to and from the toilet. (You just can't use the toilet without the water on.)
  • Question
    Why won't the flapper fall back to the closing position after flushing?
    Community Answer
    The chain may be stuck. Open the lid on the back and see if the chain has a kink in it or is caught on something.
  • Question
    The plumber installed a "new" mechanism that does not have a float. The toilet is now running and not shutting off when the tank refills. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    The level might be set too high, allowing the water to keep flowing. Check the water level and set it to the fill line. The stopper at the bottom of the tank could also be stuck, or the chain might be caught. Check that the stopper (the rubber piece at the bottom of the tank) completely closes and the chain allows it to close.
  • Question
    How do I stop a leak in my toilet?
    Community Answer
    If water is leaking from under the toilet onto the floor, the most likely cause is a broken or malfunctioning wax ring. The wax ring seals the connection between the toilet pipes and the sewer pipes. If water is leaking at the base of your toilet, fix the problem by replacing the ring.
  • Question
    Our toilet bowl has a soft rubber gasket that appears to be loose. Can this cause the bowl to not fill properly?
    Community Answer
    Check to see whether the water leaks out of it. If there is no leakage, it's fine but you might wish to consult a plumber for prevention from future problems.
  • Question
    Is the section about leaking toilets about the older ball cock system or the modern system, in which the bowl and cistern are joined?
    Community Answer
    They work the same. Modern toilets are usually smaller, using small floater instead.
  • Question
    What if the toilet won't stop running?
    Community Answer
    Read the suggestions in the article. Try re flushing the button you pressed to make it keep running. This should replace the lever mechanism. Then, call a plumber.
  • Question
    Why does it take several flush attempts before my toilet flushes?
    Adrian
    Top Answerer
    Try adjusting the float. It may have moved and is not using enough water to flush properly.
  • Question
    The water valve is on but the tank fills very slowly. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    There could be debris in the shut off valve, or the toilet fill valve could be worn out. Chances are it's the fill valve, so start by replacing it.
  • Question
    Why does the water flow out of the toilet after a flush?
    Community Answer
    That only happens when the toilet has something stuck in the pipes. Then you need to use a plunger.
  • Question
    After I flush the toilet and the cistern fills back up, I still have water flowing into the toilet. What could the problem be?
    Community Answer
    Make sure the handle returns to up position. Sometimes the handle will get stuck in the down position which causes the toilet to constantly run.
  • Question
    Can I take the tank off one toilet and put it on another?
    Community Answer
    As long as the fittings match, or you know the adapters you need to use, you should be able to do this.
  • Question
    How much should it cost to fix a leaking toilet? Replace fill valve and flush valve with flapper?
    Community Answer
    To replace yourself: around $20 for parts. To have a professional fix: Around $75 (depending on the call-out fee).
  • Question
    While on vacation, water leaked from the top of the water tank. What would cause this?
    Community Answer
    If the water went on the floor (versus into the tank), then it could be the tank bolt seals. If the water went into the tank, then it's probably the flapper or the flush valve-to-tank seal. Although unlikely, in either case, the tank might be cracked.
  • Question
    The float arm appears to be binding. What is the best lubricant to use on this type of plastic?
    Community Answer
    Marine grade, non-hazardous material suitable for contact with water, and possibly grease. You shouldn't really need to lube any parts on a toilet unless its specifically calls for it.
  • Question
    Why is the water in my toilet bowl very low after flushing?
    Community Answer
    Check if the water in the back tank. If it is below the fill line, check your float height, and if necessary, adjust it to be higher.
  • Question
    My toilet handle broke off as I was flushing. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    On the inside of tank, remove the old toilet handle by turning the nut with pliers. Replace with new handle.
  • Question
    I replaced the flapper and the toilet fills, but sometimes I can hear water come into tank. Where would the leak be?
    Community Answer
    I suspect the flush valve-to-tank seal, or the area where the flapper rests against the flush valve has some "gunk" on it (meaning the flapper isn't making a good seal).
  • Question
    What is wrong with my toilet if the tank fills slowly and bubbles when it flushes?
    Community Answer
    You may have a small clog somewhere in the line.
  • Question
    How do I replace the seal or ring under the disc?
    Community Answer
    To replace the seal under the flush valve that the flapper sits on (the flush valve-to-tank seal), you'll have to remove the tank, then remove the flush valve (usually a large plastic nut, about 2.5 inches, on the bottom of the tank). Replace the seal and reassemble. You should also replace the bolt seals at this time. They're cheap, and while you've go the tank off the bowl, you might as well replace them, too.
  • Question
    What do I do if the flapper on my running toilet does not seal properly?
    Community Answer
    You should replace the flapper. You can find flappers at a local hardware store.
  • Question
    What should I do if the overflow tube is broken?
    Community Answer
    You will need to empty the tank and install a new overflow. It will entail removing the tank first. Remove the two or three screws at the bottom of the tank, remove the overflow unit and replace it. If you are not sure what to get, go to your local parts center and they can help. While you are at it, you have it all apart, rebuild the tank with a rebuild kit. Fill valve, stopper and overflow, perhaps new bottom tank/bowl seal. That way, you shouldn’t need to mess with it for a while.
  • Question
    What do I do if the water runs after I flush the toilet, but it is not going into the tank and running down the pipe instead?
    Community Answer
    It depends on where the water is coming from and where it is going. Check all your connections and make sure they are tight and in working order.
  • Question
    How do I get the handle off of my toilet?
    Community Answer
    Take the cover off the tank and on the backside of your handle, there should be a plastic nut. Unscrew the nut and remove handle.
  • Question
    If the float is submerged but water still fills above the float, is the valve defective?
    Community Answer
    Check that the float doesn't have a leak and is itself filling with water, making it less buoyant. Do so by turning water off, flush, then shaking the float to see if any water comes out. On a refill of the tank, hold float under water and look for air bubbles coming out of the float. If this appears to be the problem, either replace float (which may mean the entire assembly) or fully dry it out and attempt to plug the leak with glue.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article