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Step 1
First, check the float ball. If it is submerged more than halfway in the water, it is waterlogged and can't rise high enough to shut off the fill valve. Replace the ball.
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Step 2
Check the guide arm to make sure it's not binding on the inside of the tank or the overflow tube. If it is, straighten the guide arm.
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Step 3
If the float ball and guide arm are operating properly, adjust the water level by bending the guide arm or turning the adjustment screws on the fill valve. Flush the toilet and recheck the water level. When it is adjusted correctly, the water level will be even with the fill line on the tank or overflow tube (see How to Fix Flushing Problems).
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Step 4
Service or replace the fill valve. Turn off the water supply and flush. Open the fill valve, rinse the parts and replace any worn seals. On plunger types, loosen the thumbscrews to slide out the float arm and lift out the plunger. On diaphragm types, remove the top screws. On float-cup types, remove the cap and push down on the top assembly as you unscrew it. To replace a fill valve, sponge out the tank, remove the refill tube and then disconnect the water-supply tube's coupling nut and the mounting nut with channel-type pliers. Reverse the procedure to install. Check the manufacturer's instructions to locate the fill valve's critical level, which must be a minimum of 1 inch (2.5 cm) higher than the top of the overflow tube. Most replacement fill valves are adjustable in height.
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Step 1
Clean the valve seat with an abrasive pad and the flapper or ball with a sponge. To replace a worn flapper, lift it off the lugs and hook on a new one.
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Step 2
To replace a valve seat (the large opening between the tank and bowl), first disconnect the water supply and use a screwdriver and pliers to remove the bolts that secure the tank to the bowl.
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Step 3
Turn the tank over to remove the spud washer. Use a spud wrench to remove the locking nut on the flush valve.
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Step 4
Reverse the procedure to install new parts and to reinstall the tank and water supply.
Comments
iloon22 said
on 7/22/2009 my toilet has been running off and on for a few days. now there is absolutely no water going into the tank. does this mean the water fill valve needs to be replaced?
jdement12b said
on 1/16/2009 The float bulb itself cannot cause a toilet to contunue running without causing it to fill all the way up to the very top of the overflow pipe... If the float ball is not floating then the toilet reservoir will fill to the top of the overflow pipe and overflow into the pipe, this can also be caused by a bad ballcock which is the piece you refer to as the unit. If the toilet continues to run but does not fill up and overflow down the overflow pipe, which is usually the case, water has to be draining out around the tank flapper. Usually the lift chain gets stuck under the flapper not allowing it to completely close... Or the flapper seal is bad. Some toilets do not have a float bulb as you demonstrated but use a float cup that is located under the ballcock as refered to by STURMMEREDITH above. The both work in a similar way; they oth rise as the tank is filled and cause the ballcock t
nanodeath said
on 12/13/2008 All I had to do was tweak the adjustment screws -- couldn't be easier, but wouldn't have known without this video. Thanks!
sturmmeredith said
on 7/3/2008 My toilet tank does not have a float bulb inside it. There is a "part" to the side of the stopper with the handle and chain attached to it. This "part" has a black round part about half way down; then has what I believe is the shut off valve at the top where the stopper handle is attached with the chain. I'm "guessing" this needs to be replaced. At any rate, am keeping the water turned off to the tank. What is this part called and how do I go about fixing it?
aknordberg said
on 2/16/2008 This was very helpful. The up close shots of the parts and easy instructions made it seem like I'd have a shot at fixing it. :)