Plumbing Tips
Diagnosing and Troubleshooting A Running Toilet
One of the most common plumbing issues that we see in the field is a running toilet. If you hear a toilet running constantly (or more than usual), that means it’s using water and can lead to an increase in your water bill. When left untreated, it can become a costly repair.
Things To Check For:
There are two pieces in a toilet that commonly go bad. The Fill Valve (C & D) or the Flapper (B).
To diagnose your running toilet, the first step is to shut water off to the toilet.
Afterwards, you will want to pull the lid off the tank and locate the Flapper (B) at the bottom of the tank, check that the Flapper (B) is seated properly on the flush valve. If you notice discolouration or any visual signs of wear and warping you should replace the old flapper.
Next, you will check the Chain of the Flapper is not tangled or bound up and ensure that it’s properly attached to the Flush Handle (A).
The last thing you will need to do is slowly turn water back on to the toilet and see if the Fill Valve (C & D) is shutting off all the way and that water is not going above the Overflow Tube (E). If water is going above the Overflow Tube, adjust the height of the Fill Valve Shutoff (D). If this does not work, a new Fill Valve will be needed.
Preventative Measures to Take:
Certain elements can contribute to the wear and damage of your toilet tank components. For instance, cleaning products like chlorine tablets that go into the tank have harsh chemicals that can cause the parts in your tank to deteriorate over time. Be mindful of the water quality in your area, as hard water can lead to mineral deposits in the tank. Consider installing a water softener if necessary to mitigate the impact on your toilet tank components.
Be sure to stay up to date and keep a watchful eye on your toilet, if or when you hear your toilet running, get it serviced as soon as possible. Give us a call at (813) 923-2874
