On an older toilet, you may need to bend the brass rod that's connected to the float. Newer toilets only require you to turn a screw or slide a clip along a rod. Sometimes, the fill valve (what the float connects to) won't actually shut off and may be defective. In this case, you will need to buy a replacement valve.
Adjust the Fill Height by Checking the Float
The water level in the tank is controlled by an adjustable float. A float that's set too low produces a weak flush; if it's set too high, water spills into the toilet overflow tube and the fill valve won't shut off. The toilet keeps running.
If the water continues running until it flows into the overflow tube, regardless of the float level, then the issue is probably caused by a faulty fill valve. However, if the water is continuously running but not flowing into the overflow tube, then the flush valve might be the problem.
A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day or more depending on the volume flow down the drain. This can cause a terrible increase to a family's typical water use, so fix toilet leaks as soon as possible. Some leaks are easy to find, such as a dripping faucet or running toilet.
Bathroom applications usually include a hot and cold-water valve inside the vanity cabinet and a cold-water valve located just behind the toilet. As time takes its toll on these trusted devices, they can become prone to failure. The most common failure found in an old shut-off valve is seizing.
According to Fixr, the average toilet valve repair cost is between $75 and $200 to replace a flush valve or up to $400 to fix a constantly running toilet. This includes the cost of the plumber's time for the toilet repair and the cost of the toilet parts.
Sometimes, especially in older homes, the water shut off valve can be difficult to access or operate. In these cases, spraying WD-40 on the valve may help make it easier to turn off. Be sure to test the valve afterward to make sure it is fully closed.
More often than not, continuously running toilets are extremely easy and inexpensive to fix – you might just need to replace the flapper. A constantly running toilet also presents an increased risk of flooding. This risk can come in a few forms.
According to SFGate, flushing the toilets accounts for a whopping 30% of the average household's water usage. Therefore, reducing the amount of water flushed away every time you visit the bathroom is an effective way to lighten the load on your wallet.
Running Toilets Lead to Damaging Leaks
Water can easily make its way into the floor of your home, and over time, weaken the structure of your home. This is a dangerous situation for your family and can be prevented through fast action and a licensed plumber.
Toilet Parts
The toilet's flush valve will typically last 6-7 years. A toilet fill valve might only last four to five years. In general, you should expect to replace the parts in your toilet every so often while keeping the actual bowl in place.
There are really only two main toilet tank parts: The toilet flush valve, which lets water gush into the bowl during the flush, and the fill valve, which lets water refill the tank after the flush.
The manufacturer recommends replacing the entire valve or parts every five years to avoid flooding that could damage your home. If there's rust above the water line or rust or discoloration on the top cap lever arm assembly attached to the adjustment rod, it's strongly suggested that you replace the entire fill valve.
The solvents in WD-40 help dissolve gunk and lime in your toilet. Spray WD-40 in your toilet bowl and leave it for one to two minutes. Then, use a toilet brush to help scrub away the grime. Because it's so effective, there's no need to saturate your toilet—a little goes a long way.
When cleaning a toilet bowl, WD-40 works by softening the rust and lime deposits, so they can be easily wiped away. You don't need to use much of it. Simply spray on the affected area, wait a minute or two and brush it away with a regular toilet brush.
The Danco Waterproof Silicone Sealant Grease is ideal for lubricating faucet stems, valves and cartridges when repairing a leaky faucet. Plumbers Faucet and Valve Grease helps reduce friction, provides long-lasting lubrication and helps hard-turning faucets work smoothly.