It’s not unusual for toilets to continue to run after they’re flushed. This is typically indicative of a plumbing problem that could lead to water waste costs. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue. Here are three suggestions to fix a toilet that won’t stop running.

How to Fix a Running Toilet

1. Check the Flapper

The first step is to assess what affects the plumbing inside the tank when you flush. Under normal circumstances, pressing the lever will cause the flapper to lift so that clean water from the tank can flow into the toilet bowl. When you release the lever, the flapper will return and create a seal to prevent more water from emptying into the bowl. Over time, the flapper can lose its integrity, causing water to leak past the seal. To fix this, turn off the shutoff valve on the side of the toilet and flush to drain the water tank. Then detach the flapper and replace it with a new one. Make sure to adjust the chain to the correct length. A chain that’s too long will force you to jiggle the handle when flushing, while a short chain will shorten the length of the flush.

2. Check the Float

Another common culprit is the float. Old toilets are typically equipped with ball floats, while modern models have cup floats. When the float is situated too high in the tank, the water level extends above the overflow pipe and forces the tank to keep draining. The ball float’s arm, then, needs to be bent to lower it enough to resume normal function. If you have a cup float, you may need to pinch it first, then twist it on its tube until it’s the right height.

3. Check the Fill Valve

If the first two components are working properly, then it could be due to a faulty fill valve. To replace it, drain the tank by turning off the shutoff valve and flushing. Then reach underneath the toilet tank and unscrew the water supply line and the coupling nut so that you can remove the old valve. Then install your replacement, screw the coupling nut back on, turn on the water, move the float to the appropriate spot, and perform a test flush.

Students of the Berk Trade and Business School are committed to learning the fundamentals and complexities of plumbing—all thanks to the highly qualified and dedicated staff and instructors. Based in Long Island City, the trade school offers numerous adult education programs designed to teach valuable skills, boost knowledge, and enhance your abilities in the field. To learn more about the technical institute and their trade school programs, visit them online. You can also call (718) 729-0909.