It’s very normal for a toilet to refill it’s tank after a flush – when this happens you will hear what sounds like running water. It normally takes about 20 – 30 seconds after the flush for the tank to refill. But, if your toilet is constantly running then there’s a problem.
It’s not only annoying but it’s also costing you money. Depending on how much water is leaking out – your toilet problem could be costing you up to $70.00/month!
So, it’s important to get a running toilet fixed not just to prevent the problem from getting worse, but it will save you dollars in the end.
What Does It Mean When Your Toilet Keeps Running?
There are about 4 different possibilities that could be causing your toilet to constantly run (whether you flushed it or not).
- The flapper chain is too tight
- Level of water in the tank is set too high
- The flapper has gone bad
- A problem with the fill valve
Flapper Chain Is Too Tight
This is a fairly easy fix – simply adjust the flapper chain in the toilet tank so that it’s not as tight and has some slack.
Tank Water Is Too High
The level of water in your tank is controlled by the float in the fill valve. By lowering the float, you’ll lower the water level in your tank.
Bad Flapper
If you notice that the flapper in your toilet tank is not creating a proper seal then you would have every right to suspect that the leaking water in your tank is due to a bad flapper. Simply replacing it should do the trick. Just follow these steps:
- Turn off the water to the toilet by shutting off the valve located on the wall near the base of the toilet. Turn it clockwise to shut it off.
- Then – flush the toilet and hold the handle down until almost all the water in the toilet is gone.
- Remove the old flapper.
- Replace it with the new one that you purchased at the hardware store.
- Turn the water to your toilet back on by turning the valve counter clockwise.
Fill Valve Problem
If you suspect that the problem may be with the fill tube – the best thing to do is to replace it. If this is not something that you are comfortable with we recommend you call in a professional plumber to assess the situation and fix whatever is causing the problem.
How To Fix A Running Toilet With A Button Flush
This is not an uncommon problem with button flush toilets so don’t despair. To fix the problem simply follow these steps:
- Turn off the water to the toilet by shutting off the valve located on the wall near the base of the toilet. Turn it clockwise to shut it off.
- Remove the top of the toilet tank.
- Check that the water level is below the overflow tube. It should be – if it isn’t then you may have a problem with the water level valve which would need to be adjusted.
- If there’s no problem with the water level then the next step is to twist off the entire dual flush valve tube that includes the two buttons on top. When you do this the water in the tank should flush down the pipe.
- The bottom of the tub you just removed has a washer – the problem may be the washer and if you notice that it’s worn out or damaged in any way – simply replacing it may fix your problem.
- Investigate the pipe in the toilet tank where the dual flush valve tube goes into to make sure that there is no debris and that it’s perfectly clean.
- Twist the tube back into the pipe until it locks in place.
- Turn the water to your toilet back on by turning the valve counter clockwise.
If you have any problems with your toilets that you cannot correct, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-505-8570. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.