Toilet Won’t Stop Running: 6 Solutions To Fix It

A running toilet is enough to make your shining bright, happy day into a total mess.  As your toilet is continuously running, it not only gives you an unstoppable supply of running water but also drains out your water tank. Besides, gallons of water wasted due to a faulty toilet will further add an extra burden to your water bill.

Nevertheless, these situations are very unexpected. But would you sit cluelessly at the moment to find out what can be done? I know you will not. Instead, you will search for the best solution on the internet.

Therefore, I am writing this article with all the necessary details on what can be done in such situations. However, before discussing how to fix it, you must know why your toilet doesn’t stop running.Knowing the root of the problem leads you to better solutions and decision-making.

Hence, let’s discuss why it might happen and what you can do to fix it.

4 Common Reasons Make Your Toilet Won’t Stop Running

Well, there are more than one causes contributing to such mishaps that can put a pause on your regular work routine. So, let’s have a quick look at the reasons that certainly contribute to such a mess.

• A broken or a dirty toilet flapper
• A float that is out of its position
• Either a too long or a too-short chain length between the flapper and the flush lever
• Weaker gasket

Reason 1:  A Broken Or A Dirty Toilet Flapper

Due to heavy wear and tear over time, it is pretty common for your flapper not to seal the drain adequately. Thus, it is natural for your toilet flapper to attract dirt and debris.

Besides, if you don’t clean it from time to time, then also it becomes hard for your toilet flapper to stand the test of time. Thus, I always recommend you opt for quick cleaning of all your toilet equipment. It helps keep the levers and machinery well-functioning.

Apart from dirt, another concerning issue is the broken flapper. Whether you handle it roughly or it is just old enough to deal with daily flushes, your toilet flapper can break any time. In such cases, the flapper won’t work to hold the water efficiently.

Reason 2: A Float That Is Out Of Its Position

An adjustable float is placed in your toilet, which holds the water level in a proper position. However, in case the float is positioned too low, it will weaken your flush. Similarly, if it is set too high, it will make the water overflow and run continuously.

So, if you find out that the water spills out of the overview tube, it is time to check your float’s position.

Reason 3: Wrong Length Between The Flapper And The Flush Lever

If your flapper chain is incorrectly connected to the rubber flapper and flush lever, it can become disconnected. If there is inadequate slack in the chain, it can cause further problems.

Besides, if the chain length is too short, water will continue to flow out due to the lack of seal. On the other hand, if the chain is too long, it will not open the toilet flapper properly when the lever gets pushed. Thus, the incorrect length between the flapper and flush lever can make your toilet run of water.

Reason 4: Weaker Gasket 

The gasket is the part that lies between the tank of your toilet and the bowl. So, when the gasket tends to weaken, it can further let the water escape out of your toilet bowl from the tank, overflowing your toilet.

How Does Your Toilet Component Work?

I believe that when you know the root of the problem, you can fix anything. And the issue of the running toiletis not an exception to it.

But the components I have talked about earlier will sound unclear to you if you do not know how these things work.

Well, don’t worry, I will make it simpler for you. So, let’s understand how the components of a toilet work.

1. The toilet flush lever stays connected to your rubber flapper inside.
2. The rubber flapper in your toilet is used to stop the tank water from running down the bowl.
3. A pump is used to refill the tank after every time you flush it.
4. The float will either rise or go lower with the water level to control the pump when it should stop refilling.
5. The overflow tube will set where the water level must stand in your tank.

Anything that disrupts the systematic rhythm in your toilet will cause the water to run out of the tank continuously. So, the best thing you can do is, keep checking the system from time to time and keep it clean.

DIY: 6 Solutions To Stop A Running Toilet

Well, the issue of a runny toilet is not a permanent one. You can deal with it efficiently by following some simple steps. So, let me guide you through it.

Solution 1: You Can Lower Its Float

One of the most common causes of your runny toilet is water overflow from the tank bowl. So, you need to fix it immediately. 

If there is too much water in your tank, you can easily control it by adjusting the float height.

My advice will always be to keep the water level lower from the float arm in your toilet. But the question is, how do you do it?  

Step1: First, you need to lose the screw or the float clip attached to the fill valve.

Step 2: Then, push down the float.

Step 3: Finally, tighten the screw back to hold the float into place.

Do a quick fix to your float with a step-by-step guide.

Solution 2: Replace The Flapper

When your toilet fails to stop running,it can be a sign that your leaking flapper needs a replacement. With regular wear and tear, over time, the flappers become weary and fragile. 

Hence, leaks appearing into your flapper are not an unusual thing. But you can fix it quickly by replacing the old one with a new flapper. Following some simple steps, you can do it on your own. 

Step 1: First of all, remove your old flapper. To do so, detach the chain and take your flapper off the pins attached to the side of your overflow tube.

Step 2: Attach the new one by connecting the chain and adding the sides of the new flapper to the pins. While adjusting the flapper chain, make sure it is neither too long nor too short.

Note: Make sure you are draining the water from the tank before you start replacing your flapper. I suggest you stop the water supply to your toilet and flush the remaining water for your work safety and ease.

You should see the video below:

Solution 3: Shortening The Refill Tube

I once faced the problem of a runny toilet due to the continuous pumping of water into the bowl. The refill tube tends to pump water inside the bowl to refill the tank. But when it keeps pumping in water, it causes an overflow of water. Well, I’m sure that many of you might have experienced the same problem.

It can commonly occur if the refill tube is too long and not rightly positioned in the overflow tube. The refill valve creates a strong suction effect, continuously pulling water out of the fill valve. And if this is the case, you need to fix it right away.

Step 1: You will need to shorten the refill tube.

Step 2: Then, pull out the tube from the overflow and hold it above the opening.

Step 3: After that, you can trim it off that place.

Step 4: After trimming, clip it to the side of your overflow tube to make sure it stays in place.

Have a look at how simple it is to shorten your refill valve. Watch video:

Solution 4: Fix The Faulty Fill Valve

Apart from the flapper, float, and refill tube of your toilet, a faulty fill valve can be another cause of your headache. A defective fill valve can be a real pain as it can be one of the primary reasons why your toilet won’t stop running. 

However, in my opinion, fixing your faulty fill valve is quite effortless. All you need to do is replace it at ease.

Step 1: First of all, you need to turn off the water supply in your toilet.

Step 2: Then, hold your flush lever down to let most of the water drain out of your toilet.

Step 3: After that, use your shop vac to remove the remaining fluid out of the tank.

Step 4: Disconnect your water supply valve from your fill valve.

Step 5: Now, all you need to do is loosen the nut, which holds your fill valve inside the tank, and replace the old valve.

Step 6:  Reverse all the steps to attach your new fill valve.

Step 7: Adjust your float as per the direction of your valve.

Step 8:  Further, turn on the water and test if there are any leaks or not.

Give a quick fix to your faulty fill valve in a simple way. Watch video:

Solution 5: Set The Handle And Chain Of The Toilet

Usually, a twisted or short-length chain keeps the flapper open, letting the water continuously run into the bowl. As a result, it will keep the tank full.  But in case the chain is longer, or the flush rod touches your tank lid, it will create many operational problems. 

So, to fix this problem, you will need to grab one part of this toilet and create a strong enough flush. To do so, follow the below-given steps.

Step 1: You will have to prevent excessive water flow in the toilet bowl. So, set a connection on the chain to make sure there is sufficient space when you shut your flapper.

Step 2:  Remove any extra surplus links from your metal bar.

Step 3: At that place, consider leaving a little space, which will prevent any further knots.

Step 4: Replace your tank lid and ensure that your flush rod does not hit the lid when pushing the toilet lever. 

Step 5: In case you find that the rod still touches your lid, bend it a bit and make adjustments to the chain.

You should see the video below:

Solution 6: Adjust And Bent Lift Arm In Your Toilet

Do you have a ball float-styled toilet, which is prone to have a bent lift arm? If yes, then the potential problem you will face is that the ball will often be forced to fall lower than the ideal height, which will make it sink, making water overflow from the toilet.

Such situations can result in regular flush problems. However, the fix to it will not require any bombastic technical skills. It is effortless to fix such an issue.

Step 1: You can restore the original shape of the rod by bending it slightly with your hand pressure.

Step 2:  If bending does not work, you can replace the rod or the float.

Step 3: Fill your valve with a new rod and float cup.

Find out how easy it is to fix the bent lift arm. Watch this video:

FAQs

Well, fixing your running toilet can be a daunting task. But let me make it easy for you. So, here are the apt answers to some commonly asked queries that can come up to your mind anytime.

No More Compromise With The Issue Of Your Runny Toilet 

I hope the article has been quite helpful to you. The problems with your toilet flush or running water are not much complex. However, if you are not confident enough to fix it on your own or feel some severe causes are lying behind the issue that needs to be fixed for the long term, it is better to call a professional.

So, how did you deal with the problem of your faulty toilet the last time? Do you know some easier methods to fix it? Or, did you find the tips mentioned above helpful? Please share your views with us. Also, feel free to share this article with others to help them fix their runny toilets.