A toilet that won't stop running can't hold a stable water level in the tank and the bowl. The problem could be due to several possible issues, including a leaky flapper, a float that's not set correctly, or a faulty fill valve. Many of these issues are fairly easy to troubleshoot yourself.
It sounds like the fill valve is sticking open. Turn off the water, remove the plastic cap on top of the fill valve, hold a glass or cup over it, and turn the water on for 5 to 10 seconds. Turn the water off, and replace the plastic cap, then try it again. If that didn't work, get a new fill valve and replace it.
No need to worry, a running toilet is usually a simple fix. The three most common causes are a broken or dirty flapper, too long or too short of a chain between the flush lever and the flapper or a float that is out of position.
You will need to replace the flapper. Take the old one with you to the plumbing supply or home improvement store. Next, after replacing the flapper and letting the tank refill, the float should stop the water at the marked tank fill level. If it does not, adjust the float.
Get a plunger and insert into the toilet bowl. Make sure you have a good seal and Press down, then release the pressure a bit so the plunger comes up and then Press down again. Repeat 10-12 times. The water level should drop. Try the flush.
The most common cause of this issue is a faulty flapper valve. The rubber seal at the bottom of the tank controls the water flow into the bowl. If it's not sealing properly, water will leak through and cause your toilet to constantly fill and drain.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers (AVB): Installed on individual fixtures, AVBs create a physical gap in the plumbing system to prevent backflow.
A toilet float moves up and down in the toilet tank, controlling the opening and closing of the fill valve. Your toilet fill valve will also be connected to a float ball or a float cup. Float balls in earlier toilet types consist of a round ball with a float arm that links it to the toilet fill valve.
There may be a hidden plumbing leak in the walls of your home, or maybe your toilet is running when it's not in use. These “hidden” leaks can cause your home to be using water even when your main water valve is turned off.
The fill valve needs to be replaced, otherwise, your toilet will never stop filling. If this is coupled with a broken overflow tube, then it could cause a flood. A fill valve should only be replaced by a professional plumber. They will be able to replace the valve without causing any more damage.
If the filler float is set too high, the tank will fill with too much water, causing leakage from the sides. You can fix this by adjusting the mechanism inside of the tank to control the level of the float.
Put a soap dish, shampoo, or slivers of bar soap in the bowl. Then heat a gallon of water to the temperature of hot tea, pour into the bowl, and wait about 20 minutes. Baking Soda and Vinegar – Try a safe chemical reaction. Measure one cup of baking soda and pour it into the toilet bowl.
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.
The most common reason that a toilet won't refill completely is that either the fill valve or float isn't adjusted properly as this will cause the valve to close before the tank is full enough. The fill valve is what works to allow water to flow into the tank once the toilet has been flushed.
What happens if a toilet runs all night? If a toilet runs all night it will waste water and increase your water bill. Excess water can potentially flood your septic tank and lead to failure and saturation of your drain field.
Float-Cup Fill Valve
Look for the plastic adjustment screw attached to the top of the metal rod and the float cup. If the water level is too high, turn the dial to the clockwise 1-2 rotations. If the water level is too low, turn the dial to the counterclockwise 1-2 rotations.
Generally, this is caused by a leaking flapper, a defective fill valve, or an incorrectly sized overflow pipe.
Fixing a Stuck Water Shut Off Valve
We recommend putting a cloth over the handle and using your hand to slowly rock the stuck valve back and forth to loosen it. Keep doing this until the valve can be completely opened and closed. If the valve won't turn after trying this, grab a pair of Channellock pliers.
If you see any water leaking from your valves, it's a sign that they need to be replaced. If a valve begins to leak, it can lead to significant water waste. For example, the average household with one leak wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water annually.
This problem is almost certainly caused by a bad flapper or flapper seat. The solution is to drain the tank and bowl, check and clean the flapper seat and then replace the flapper if it's worn or damaged.
Toilet keeps running!
To stop this from happening, you can of course turn off the water supply. You can do this by shutting off the valve that connects your toilet to the water supply, and don't forget to flush the toilet once or twice to remove the water from the cistern also.
Check your water levels
Low water levels in your tank are common causes of toilets filling up with water when flushed. They can also cause slow-draining toilets. You can manually top up your tank with water to help the flush. Then, check the flush tube for cracks and bends that lead to leaks.
Common reasons your toilets to keep backing up are: There's not enough water in the tank. There's a clog in the drain line. The main line for the house is clogged.