How to Fix a Running Toilet

Not only is a running toilet an obnoxious noise to hear but it wastes gallons of water a day. Fortunately, fixing a running toilet is easy and inexpensive if you know what to do. Follow these steps if your toilet won't stop running.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Open the tank and flush the toilet. This will allow you to see what is causing the toilet to continue running.

2. Ensure that the chain connecting the handle to the flapper isn't tangled or trapped under the flapper. The chain can become caught under the flap when it closes, causing it to not close completely.

3. Check to make sure that the flapper closes automatically after the tank drains. Replace the flapper if it's old or worn, an old flapper can become stiff making it impossible to close automatically.

4. Watch to make sure that the floater is able to float above the water when the tank refills. If the floater doesn't float because it is filled with water, it needs to be replaced. Remove it and take it into the hardware store to ensure you get the correct replacement.

5. Bend the arm slightly to allow the float to sit higher above the water. A float that sits too low can cause the toilet to keep running.

Tips & Warnings

• If you notice your toilet running in the middle of the night turn off your water so that you don't waste gallons of water while you sleep.
• If you have a long toilet chain you can thread it through a straw to keep it from getting caught underneath the flapper or becoming tangled.