15/17 Suny Jigide Street, By Celestial Way, Ogudu Lagos.
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A toilet that won’t stop running is more than just a nuisance, it can waste hundreds of gallons of water and significantly increase your utility bills. Fortunately, fixing this common issue is usually straightforward and doesn’t always require calling a plumber. Here’s a step-by-step guide to identify and resolve the problem, saving you water, money, and frustration.
A running toilet typically indicates a problem inside the tank. The most common culprits include:
A Faulty Flapper: The rubber seal at the bottom of the tank (flapper) may be damaged or improperly seated, allowing water to constantly leak into the bowl.
A Misaligned Chain: The chain connected to the flapper may be too short, too long, or tangled, preventing the flapper from closing properly.
A Float That’s Out of Position: The float controls the water level in the tank. If it’s set too high or too low, it can cause constant water flow.
A Worn-Out Fill Valve: If the fill valve is malfunctioning, it can lead to continuous water refilling.
Locate the shutoff valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to stop water from flowing into the tank. Flush the toilet to drain most of the water from the tank.
Check for Damage: Lift the flapper and inspect it for cracks, warping, or mineral buildup. If it’s damaged, replace it. Flappers are inexpensive and available at most hardware stores.
Reposition the Flapper: Ensure the flapper sits evenly over the flush valve opening.
How to Replace the Flapper:
Remove the old flapper by disconnecting it from the chain and unhooking it from the overflow tube.
Attach the new flapper to the same points.
Test the fit by gently pressing it down.
Check for Slack: Ensure the chain connected to the flapper is not too tight or too loose.
Adjust the Length: Shorten or lengthen the chain as needed to allow the flapper to close fully without any obstruction.
The float regulates how much water fills the tank. An incorrectly positioned float can lead to overflows or incomplete refills.
For Ball Floats: Bend the float arm gently downward to lower the water level or upward to raise it.
For Cylinder Floats: Use the adjustment screw or clip on the fill valve to modify the float’s height.
If the fill valve is the problem, you may need to clean or replace it.
Clean the Valve:
Turn the water supply back on briefly to flush out debris.
If the issue persists, remove the fill valve and soak it in vinegar to clear mineral deposits.
Replace the Valve: If cleaning doesn’t help, replace the fill valve with a new one from a hardware store.
Once you’ve made the necessary adjustments:
Turn the water supply back on.
Let the tank fill and observe for any running or leaks.
Adjust further if needed until the toilet functions properly.
If you’ve tried all the steps above and your toilet still runs, it might be a more complex issue, such as a cracked tank, misaligned components, or problems with the plumbing system. In these cases, calling a professional is the best course of action.
Regularly check your toilet’s components for wear and tear.
Use a toilet tank cleaner to prevent mineral buildup.
Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper to minimize strain on the system.
A running toilet isn’t just annoying, it’s wasteful. By following these simple steps, you can stop the problem quickly, reduce water wastage, and prevent high utility bills. If you’re unsure or the issue persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance.
Need expert help with your plumbing issues? Contact Core-Power Limited today! Our experienced team is ready to provide reliable solutions to keep your plumbing running smoothly.
Phone no: (234) 9130003339 (Office)
