DIY Running Toilet Repair

Do-it-yourselfers can fix a running toilet once they identify what must be repaired.

A running toilet isn't just annoying, it can also be costing you money. According to figures released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a running toilet can leak up to 200 gallons of water a day. Fortunately, you can repair a running toilet yourself. The two main culprits in a running toilet are a bad flapper or a broken fill valve. Once you've pinpointed the problem, repairing a running toilet is relatively simple.

Things You'll Need

• Toilet flapper
• Silicone grease
• Towels
• Sponge
• Pliers
• Wrench
• Fill valve
• Plumber's tape

Instructions

Flapper Repair

1. Open up the top of the tank. Set this aside. Reach into the tank (don't worry, this water is treated) and place your hand on the flapper at the bottom of the tank. If the running stops, the problem is your flapper. If it doesn't, your problem is in the float or the fill valve.

2. Turn off the water for the tank; the shutoff valve is on the wall behind the toilet. Flush the handle to get rid of all the water.

3. Detach the flush chain from the top of the flapper. This is usually a single link that can be pulled off, similar to a car key on a keychain. Pull the flapper off the mounting bracket connected to the overflow tube.

4. Turn the new flapper over. Apply a thin line of silicone grease around the inside of the rim. Snap the new flapper into place. Reattach the flush chain.

5. Turn the water supply back on. Allow the tank to fill. Flush the tank and check for proper operation.

Fill Valve Problems

1. Turn off the water for the tank at the shutoff valve behind the toilet. Flush the handle to get rid of all the water. Wipe up any excess with a sponge.

2. Detach the ballcock from the fill valve. Depending on your toilet model, this will either snap out or be held in place with a screw.

3. Unscrew the coupling connecting the water supply hose to the inlet valve on the bottom of the tank. Remove the plastic retaining screw at the bottom of the inlet valve on the outside of the tank.

4. Lift the fill valve out of the tank. Insert the new fill valve into the tank so that the threaded end sticks out of the hole in the bottom. Hold this in place with one hand while you tighten the retaining screw on the bottom of the tank with the other.

5. Wrap the fill valve inlet on the underside of the tank with plumber's tape. Connect the coupling.

6. Reconnect the ballcock to the float valve.

7. Turn the water supply on. Allow the tank to fill. Flush and check for proper operation.

Tips & Warnings

• Always follow the instructions from your manufacturer specific to your toilet model.

References

• Toiletology 101:How to Replace a Refill Valve
• This Old House: How to Fix a Running Toilet
• Environmental Protection Agency: Water Sense