Best Ways To Fix A Running Toilet

high water billsThe bathroom might be the smallest room in a house. However, when the toilet starts experiencing problems, it disrupts the functionality of your whole home. One of the common problems in many homes is a continuously running toilet. It is an annoyance, and it significantly increases your home’s water usage. With that said, you should always have a trusted plumber that you can count on when you need plumbing repairs or installations that happen from time to time.

When you are searching for a reliable plumber, contact Robinson Plumbing. We offer a wide range of plumbing services at reasonable prices. We specialize in water leak repairs, toilet repairs, water heater installations, and other plumbing services.

Our courteous plumbers deliver work that is sure to guarantee your satisfaction. Call today to schedule a free estimate.

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Toilet Repairs Allentown PA: Fixing A Running Toilet

running toiletA running toilet wastes around two gallons of water per minute. It drives up your water bill and is a major waste of water. In this article, you will learn how to fix a toilet that keeps running.

Replacing The Flapper

The flapper is the soft rubber and plastic hinged flap valve inside your toilet tank. The flapper connects to the chain hanging from the flush handle. When you flush the toilet, the chain lifts up the flapper. This action allows water to flush down into the toilet bowl. The flapper drops back down once the tank is empty. It then acts as a trap door so that the tank can refill. Once the tank refills, it is then ready to flush.

When the flapper fails to put itself back correctly over the flush valve, water continues to run down into the toilet bowl. This flapper issue happens because the rubber hardens, making it difficult for the flapper to seal the valve correctly.

A quick remedy to this is to replace the defective flapper with a new one. First, shut the water off to the toilet. Drain all the remaining water in the tank by flushing it. Take the cover of your tank off and look for the flapper. Remember that you will need to use an identical flapper when replacing it.

The replacement flapper should come with installation instructions. Make sure to follow them correctly. More importantly, the length of the chain shouldn’t be too long or too short. If it’s too long, you’ll end up having to wriggle the handle before water begins refilling the tank. On the other hand, a chain that is too short won’t allow the flapper to rise fully from the valve opening. This situation will lead to shortened flushes. If you are unsure of how to fix a toilet flapper, contact a professional plumber. A professional can adequately perform a toilet repair for your flush valve or flapper.

Examine The Fill Tube

The fill tube is the small plastic tube connecting the vertical overflow tube to the toilet tank’s fill valve. When the water in the tank gets too high, the overflow tube will drain the excess. This situation might cause the end of the tube to go underwater. If so, you need to cut it so that the tube is at least half an inch above the water level. However, it is best to call a plumber for a situation like this. They will know what toilet repair parts you will need.

Inspect The Float

toiletConventional toilets have two types of floats. Older toilets have a ball float. This ball, made of plastic or brass, links to a horizontal rod. The rod connects to the toilet fill valve. On the other hand, newer toilets have a cup float that slides up and down the vertical pipe of the toilet fill valve.

Adjusting A Ball Float

The water level is forced to rise above the overflow pipe if the ball float is set too high. In turn, the water in the tank never stops draining into the toilet bowl. You lower the float by turning the screw counterclockwise. Turn the screw until the water stops running. Next, bend the rod of the ball float. However, there are many causes for a running toilet. It is usually best to call a plumber to remedy a running toilet properly.

Adjusting A Cup Float

A cup float has an adjustment rod on the side of the assembly. Pinch the spring clip and slide the float down the central tube. Just move it half an inch down to stop the toilet from running continuously.

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Replace The Fill Valve

The fill valve allows water to get into your toilet tank. The device has a type of float on it that turns the valve off when the water has reached the correct level. The valve can go bad and may fail to shut off. Drain the toilet tank first. Next, unlock the valve from outside the tank. You can do this by unscrewing the lock nut and water supply line. Lock the new identical valve you have in place. Lastly, adjust the float to the correct water level.

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Conclusion

A running toilet is inconvenient. It disrupts your household’s daily efficiency and comfort. Neglecting a running toilet can lead to a significant leak and other plumbing-related issues. Therefore, once you notice that your toilet is running, the best course of action you can take is to call a professional and licensed plumber.

When you need fast and reliable plumbing services, contact Robinson Plumbing. We offer a wide selection of solutions including plumbing repairs, replacements, and maintenance. Our friendly and licensed plumbers will provide excellent services that fit within your budget. Their experience and skills allow them to present you with the best plumbing solutions for your home.

If you have any questions, we will gladly take the time to answer them. Call now to schedule an appointment.

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Some of the areas we service include Allentown, Catasauqua, Coplay, Laurys Station and these zip codes: 18101, 18032, 18037, 18059 as well as all surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.

Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!