If you’ve ever gone to flush the toilet only to hear an incessant running noise after it’s been flushed, then you know how annoying it can be. While a running toilet might seem like an intimidating problem to tackle on your own, there are several easy fixes that can help get your plumbing back on track. Here is a quick guide on how to diagnose and fix a running toilet.
Diagnosis:
The first step in fixing any issue is determining the cause of the problem. In the case of running toilets, there are three common culprits: worn out flapper valves, misaligned float balls, or corroded fill valves. A good way to determine which part is causing the issue is by turning off the water supply and flushing the toilet until all of the water has drained from inside it. Then, you can inspect each of these parts for signs of damage or wear-and-tear.
Fixing Flapper Valves:
The flapper valve acts as a stopper between the tank and bowl when it’s not being used; if this valve isn’t sealing properly, water will continuously run from the tank into the bowl, resulting in a running toilet. Fortunately, replacing this part is relatively simple – just remove any existing hardware connecting it to your tank lid or handle lever and install a new one in its place with a screwdriver.
Adjusting Float Balls & Fill Valves:
The float ball and fill valve both work together to regulate water levels in your tank; if either one gets damaged or misaligned, they won’t be able to do their job properly. To adjust them, start by unscrewing each side of your fill valve with an adjustable wrench before lifting up your float ball until it sits at least 1/2″ above its highest point in the tank; once everything looks level again, reattach both sides of your fill valve with a screwdriver and turn back on your water supply.
The Wrap Up:
As daunting as tackling plumbing issues may seem at first glance, diagnosing and fixing common problems like running toilets doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive! With just basic knowledge about how plumbing works and some simple tools around the house (like an adjustable wrench), tenants should feel empowered enough to tackle most small plumbing repairs themselves—saving time and money along the way!
