2 Solutions To A Toilet That Won'T Stop Running

A toilet that won't stop running is not only annoying but potentially expensive too. The good news is that, in most cases, you don't have to be a licensed plumber to make the appropriate repairs on your own. If you would like to learn more about fixing a running toilet, keep reading. This article will present two of the most likely solutions.

Adjust the fill height.

If the water level in your toilet's tank is not correctly set, it can lead to a cycle of continuous re-filling. That's because, when the water level is set too high, excess tank water will enter the overflow tube, thus causing the fill valve to open up once more. Luckily, this problem can be addressed by making a simple adjustment to the toilet float.

There are two styles of float valves. The older style, ballcock float valves, consist of a hollow plastic sphere--the ballcock--at the end of a metal rod. You will find an adjustment screw at the end of the rod opposite to the ballcock.

Make gradual clockwise adjustments to the screw, testing after each adjustment to see if the ballcock sits low enough to prevent continuous running. Be careful, however, not to set it too low, otherwise you'll end up with an equally annoying problem on your hands: a weak flush.

The newer style of float valves, known as cylinder float valves, consist of a cylindrical float that moves up and down the body of the fill valve itself. Adjustments are made using a spring clip that attaches to a small metal rod to the top of the float. Pinch the spring and move the rod downward slightly. Flush the toilet and watch to make sure the water level remains below the opening over the overflow tube. 

Reattach or adjust the fill tube.

The fill tube is fairly easy to recognize: it's the flexible rubber hose that runs from the fill valve to the overflow pipe. The fill tube is responsible for directing water through the overflow pipe and into the toilet bowl following each flush. Unfortunately, the metal clip that holds the fill tube to the overflow pipe has an annoying tendency to work itself loose over time.

When the fill tube works loose and falls down into the water of the tank, it will lead to a continuously running toilet. That's because the tube will be slowly siphoning water from the tank, thus causing the fill valve to open back up--over and over and over.

Remove the lid and ensure that the fill tube is correctly attached to the overflow pipe. Then flush the toilet and check that the water from the fill tube is entering the overflow pipe completely, making further adjustments as necessary. Consider contacting a professional like those at Riverside Plumbing if you need more assistance.

Share