While standing in the hall, the hissing of running water can be heard from outside the bathroom. Although, this time it is not the faucet that is causing the problem. It is the toilet running. In fact, from the sounds of things, it has been running for quite some time. Walking into the bathroom, you decide to jiggle the handle. Why not, it seemed to work the last time just fine. Surely, it will work this time too. To your surprise, the problem has not subsided. So, you jiggle the handle a second time. Still the problem persists. With every second that passes, the loss of water translates to cash being pulled right out of your pocket. While jiggling the handle may sometimes take care of the problem initially, it is far from being a cure. To truly bring an end to this problem, you will need to address the root issue causing the trouble with your toilet. The following are three common culprits to check for.
A Defective Flapper
When you are unable to get your toilet to quit running, the problem might just be the flapper. The flapper is a device inside the tank of the toilet that is supposed to prevent water from leaking out once the tank is appropriately filled. Because a flapper can go bad over time, it is sometimes important to replace this device in order to reestablish a proper seal. When you have purchased a flapper that is right for your toilet, it is time to remove the old one. Begin by adjusting the water supply valve to prevent water from filling the toilet, and drain your toilet. Next, carefully detach the chain of the old flapper, removing it from the handle rod. Freeing the chain from the flush valve ears should be easy enough. To install your replacement flapper, you will want to refer to our comprehensive guide to familiarize yourself with all the proper steps.
A Kinked Chain
Another common cause for a toilet running is a faulty chain. The chain may be jumbled up, or it might get hung up with the flush valve. In either case, what you end up with is an broken seal. Once again, water is leaking out and your toilet is responding by chronically trying to fill itself. If this problem persists, then the only real option is to replace the chain and flapper. It is important to give your new chain enough of a relaxed lead with the chain for the flapper to do its job.
When Your Float Gets Stuck
If you have an older toilet, chances are it uses a device called a ballcock or float valve device. The ballcock will generally be either metal or plastic. This device is attached to an arm and ultimately to the toilet’s fill valve. Adjusting the screw of the float will inevitably cause the water to discontinue running. What if your toilet is a newer model? Not a problem, newer toilets generally house the float inside a vertical tube. To adjust the float, squeeze the spring clip. Carefully moving the spring clip up and down, try to find the position that causes the toilet to stop running. Now that you have caused the toilet to discontinue moving water, try flushing. The toilet should fill to proper levels, which is slightly beneath the upper end of the fill tube.
If you have any other questions, then be sure to let us know. Our staff of qualified professionals, here at Combat Plumbing, are ready to help you with all your bathroom, kitchen and HVAC issues. Serving Red Oakland around the clock. Be sure to give us a call.
