How to Get a Toilet to Stop Running: Simple Fixes That Work Every Time

A running toilet is one of the most annoying plumbing problems for homeowners. The constant sound of water can be frustrating and costly because it wastes water and makes your water bill higher.

A running toilet can waste 30 to 200 gallons of water every day, depending on how bad the problem is. The good news is that fixing it is usually easy, and you can often do it yourself without needing a plumber.

In this article, we’ll explain the common reasons why toilets run and give you simple, step-by-step instructions to fix the problem. By the end, you’ll know how to halt your toilet from leaking and save both water and money.

What Causes a Toilet to Keep Running?

Before fixing the problem, it’s good to know why the toilet is running. Usually, it happens because water keeps flowing or doesn’t stop when it should. The toilet has different parts that work together to stop the water after you flush. If any of these parts break or don’t work right, the toilet keeps running.

Here are the general causes:

• Leaky Flapper: The flapper is a rubber piece at the end of the tank of the toilet that opens to let water flush and then closes to stop leaks. Over time, it can wear out or bend, causing water to seep into the bowl and the toilet to run.
• Faulty Fill Valve: The fill valve controls how water flows into the tank after you flush. If it’s broken or not set correctly, it might let too much water in or not enough, making the toilet run.
• Wrong Water Level: The water in the tank needs to be at the right height. If it’s too high, it will spill into the tube overflow and keep the toilet running.
• Fill Tube Problems: The fill tube sends water from the fill valve to the tank and overflow tube. If it’s loose or out of place, the toilet may not refill properly and could keep running.
• Chain Issues: A chain connects the handle of the flush to the flapper. If it’s too short, too long, or tangled, it might stop the closing of the flapper all the way, letting water keep running.

By knowing these common problems, you can figure out what’s wrong and fix your toilet more easily.

How to Check and Fix a Disconnected Fill Tube

The fill tube is important because it makes sure water goes into the tank correctly. If it gets loose, out of place, or broken, the toilet might not fill up properly, and the water could keep running nonstop.

Method to fix a disconnected fill tube:

Open the Tank: Take off the lid on top of the tank so you can see the parts inside.

Look at the Tube: Check if the small tube (fill tube) is disconnected or out of place from the larger pipe (overflow tube) or the fill valve.

• If it’s disconnected, attach it back.
• If it’s not pointing into the overflow tube, adjust it so water flows into the tube.

Check the Tube’s Position: Make sure the fill tube is about 1 inch above the overflow tube. This helps the water flow properly when the tank fills.

Test It: Flush the toilet and watch the water flow.

• If it works normally, the issue was likely the tube being out of place.

Still Not Right? If the tube looks fine but the water level is still wrong, you may need to inspect the fill valve next.

Fixing a Defective Toilet Flapper

A leaking toilet is often caused by a broken or old flapper. The flapper seals the tank after you flush it, stopping water from leaking into the bowl. Over time, it can wear out, get damaged, or build up mineral deposits, which causes water to keep leaking.

Steps to replace a defective flapper:

Here are the steps to replace a defective flapper.

Disconnect the Water:

• Find the water turn-off valve at the back of your toilet and turn it off. This stops water flow and prevents spills.

Take Out the Old Flapper:

• Unclip or unhook the old flapper from its hinge and remove it from the tank.

Pick the Right Replacement Flapper:

• Bring the old flapper to the store to find the same model. You can also buy a universal flapper that fits most toilets.

Put in the New Flapper:

• Hook the new flapper onto the hinge. Make sure it seals tightly when it closes.

Turn the Water Back On and Test:

• Turn the water supply on and empty the toilet. If the water stops running after flushing, your job is done!

If the toilet keeps running, check the flapper or the overflow tube for issues. You might need further adjustments or a different flapper.

Adjusting the Fill Height and Float

The water level in your toilet tank is controlled by a float. This float moves up and down as the water level changes. If the float is set too high, the tank might overflow. If it is set too low, the tank won’t fill properly. Both problems can cause the toilet to keep running.

Steps to adjust the fill height:

Here are the steps to adjust the fill height.

Find the Float

• Look inside the tank of toilet.
• Older toilets have a float that looks like a ball on a rod.
• Newer toilets have a smaller float shaped like a cup attached to the fill valve.

Check the Water Level

• Flush the toilet and see where the water stops.
• The water should stop just below the top of the overflow tube (about 1 inch below).

Adjust the Float

If the water level is too high, you need to lower the float:

• For older toilets: Gently bend the metal rod holding the float ball downward.
• For newer toilets: Look for a clip or screw near the float. Slide the clip or turn the screw to lower the float.

Test the Toilet

• Flush the toilet again to see if the water stops at the correct level.
• If the water keeps running or the level is still too high, adjust the float again.

Replace the Float (if needed)

• If the float is damaged or not working, you might need to replace it with a new one.

In some cases, you may need to replace the float entirely if it’s damaged or malfunctioning.

Fixing the Flapper Chain

The chain that links the flush handle to the flapper is an important part of how the toilet flushes. If the chain is too tight, too loose, or tangled, it can stop the flapper from closing fully, which makes the water keep running.

Steps to adjust the chain:

Check the Chain: Open the tank of the toilet and look at the chain inside. It should have a little bit of looseness, just enough to lift the rubber flap (flapper) when you press the flush handle.

Fix the Chain Length:

• If the chain is too short, the flap won’t close properly.
• If it’s very long, it might tangle or get stuck.
  Adjust it by removing extra links with pliers or changing where the chain is attached.

Check the Toilet: Flush the toilet to see if the flap closes correctly. If it does, the issue is fixed.

When to Replace the Fill Valve

If all of the above steps fail to stop the running toilet, the issue may lie with the fill valve itself. A problematic fill valve will either continue letting water into the tank after it has reached the proper level or fail to fill the tank at all.

Steps to replace:

1. Disconnect the Water: Shut off the water supply to the toilet before starting.
2. Remove the previous Fill Valve: Remove the water supply line and unscrew the previous fill valve from the tank.
3. Install the brand New Fill Valve: Position the new fill valve inside the tank, making sure it’s securely attached. Again connect the water supply line.
4. Check the Toilet: Turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet. Observe whether the fill valve shuts off properly after the tank refills.

Conclusion

A leaking toilet may seem like a short issue, but it can result in significant water wastage and increased utility bills over time. Fortunately, most of the causes of a leaking toilet can be addressed with simple tools and a little know-how. You can fix the issue and stop wasting water by following the steps outlined in this article, whether you need to adjust the fill tube, replace a faulty flapper, or adjust the water level.

If you’ve tried all the fixes and the problem persists, it may be time to call in a professional plumber to inspect the issue further. However, with the right approach and a few simple adjustments, you can often solve the problem on your own, saving money and preventing future issues.