Stop the Drip! How to Fix a Running Toilet and Save on Your Water Bill

That annoying sound of water running in the bathroom! It’s not only irritating but also a waste of water—and money. The good news is, a running toilet is often an easy fix, and you don’t have to be a plumber to get the job done. Let’s dive into the basics of how a toilet works, why it might be running, and step-by-step solutions for getting it back to normal.

How Does a Toilet Work?

Understanding how a toilet works can make troubleshooting much easier. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. The Tank and Bowl: When you flush, water from the tank rushes into the bowl, carrying waste into the sewer system.
2. Flush Valve: When you press the flush handle, it opens a valve (called a flush valve) that allows water to flow from the tank to the bowl.
3. Fill Valve and Float: After the tank empties, the fill valve refills the tank. The float rises as the tank fills, eventually stopping the flow of water.
4. Flapper: The flapper is a rubber seal that controls the flow of water from the tank into the bowl. If the flapper isn’t sealing properly, water can continue to flow from the tank into the bowl—leading to a running toilet.

With this basic understanding, let’s look at why a toilet might run and how you can fix it yourself.

Common Reasons a Toilet Runs and How to Fix Them

There are three common issues that can cause a running toilet: a faulty flapper, a poorly adjusted fill valve, or issues with the float. Here’s how to diagnose and fix each one.

1. Worn-Out or Misaligned Flapper

The flapper is a rubber valve at the bottom of the tank that lifts when you flush and seals the water in the tank when it drops back down. Over time, flappers can wear out, crack, or become misaligned, causing a leak.

• Signs: If you hear a constant trickle of water, it’s likely due to a faulty flapper.
• Fix:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Drain the tank by holding down the flush handle until all the water is gone.
3. Remove the old flapper. Check its size and shape, then purchase a new one that matches.
4. Install the new flapper by connecting it to the chain and ensuring it’s seated correctly over the flush valve.
5. Turn the water back on and test the flush. Pro Tip: Ensure the flapper chain has a bit of slack but isn’t too loose, as this could prevent the flapper from sealing properly.

2. Improperly Set Fill Valve

The fill valve controls the amount of water in the tank. If it’s set too high, water will keep running into the overflow tube, leading to constant refilling. If set too low, you may not get a full flush.

• Signs: You’ll hear a continuous flow of water as the tank refills.
• Fix:

1. Remove the tank lid and check the water level. The water should be about an inch below the top of the overflow tube.
2. Adjust the fill valve. Depending on the type of valve, you may need to turn a screw or move a clip on the fill valve to raise or lower the float.
3. Flush the toilet and check if the water stops flowing at the correct level. If adjusting the fill valve doesn’t work, you may need to replace the entire fill valve assembly.

3. Faulty or Improperly Set Float

The float rises with the water level in the tank, signaling the fill valve to shut off once it’s reached the desired level. A float that’s set too high will cause the toilet to run continuously.

• Signs: The toilet tank fills to the brim, and water spills into the overflow tube.
• Fix:

1. Look for an adjustment screw on top of the fill valve (for a ball float) or a metal clip (for a cup float).
2. Lower the float so that it shuts off the water at the right level.
3. Flush the toilet to ensure the float and fill valve stop the water flow once the tank is full.

YouTube Help for Fixing a Running Toilet

Sometimes you just need a visual guide. YouTube is full of helpful videos for fixing a running toilet. There are general videos but there may also be one specific to your brand of toilet. For example, we discovered during this DIY project that Kohler has brand specific flush valves! But there was a YouTube video specific to our repair.

Watch these tutorials to help you diagnose and make your repairs.

• How to Fix a Running Toilet GUARANTEED by DIY Plumbing Repair
• How to Fix a Running Toilet by This Old House
• Toilet Running? Here’s the Fix! by Home Repair Tutor
• How to Fix a Kohler Toilet that Runs All the Time

Other Potential Issues to Consider

If none of the above fixes work, there may be other components to inspect:

• Fill Tube: Ensure the fill tube is inserted correctly into the overflow tube.
• Flush Valve Seal: Some models may have additional seals or gaskets that could be cracked or misaligned.

When Should You Call a Plumber?

Sometimes, even the best DIY efforts don’t quite solve the problem. Here’s when it’s best to call a professional plumber:

• Persistent Leaks: If your toilet continues to run after you’ve tried multiple fixes, it may have a more serious underlying issue.
• Complex Repairs: If you suspect that parts of the flush valve assembly need replacement, or if you find cracks in the tank or bowl, it’s best to get a professional’s opinion.
• Frequent Running: If your toilet runs intermittently throughout the day and none of the above helped, it may indicate issues with the internal plumbing or water pressure.

Most standard toilet repairs cost between $100 and $300, depending on the severity of the problem. Many plumbers offer free estimates, so if you’re not comfortable with the repair, consider getting a professional assessment.

Fixing a running toilet can be a simple and rewarding DIY project that helps you save on water and reduce household noise. With a basic understanding of how your toilet works and some simple tools, you can troubleshoot and fix many common toilet issues yourself. In the end, we spent only $32 for the repair. But remember, if you’re in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a plumber—it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Got any questions or tips to share? Leave them in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going. Happy repairing!