What causes a running toilet?
A running toilet is usually caused by a problem with the flush valve or the fill valve.
The flush valve has a rubber piece called the flapper, that sits at the bottom of the tank and lifts up when you flush, allowing water to flow into the bowl. Over time, the flapper can become worn or misaligned, causing water to leak past it and into the bowl, leading to a constantly running toilet.
The fill valve is responsible for refilling the tank with water after you flush. If the fill valve is faulty or not adjusted correctly, it may continuously allow water to flow into the tank, which then drains through the overflow mechanism into the pan, causing the toilet to run.
How to fix a running toilet
To fix a constantly running toilet, you can try adjusting the hydraulic tubing that connects the flush valve to the handle, replacing the flapper, or adjusting the fill valve.
If you have an older style cistern with a syphon, there are a few potential causes for a constantly running toilet. Here are some things to check:
Check the syphon for damage or wear: Over time, the syphon in an older style cistern can become worn or damaged, which can cause water to continuously leak into the pan. Inspect the syphon for any signs of damage, such as cracks or tears, and replace it if necessary.
Adjust the float: The float in an older style cistern controls the level of water in the tank. If the float is set too high, it can cause the cistern to overfill, leading to a constantly running toilet. Adjust the float so that it is at the correct height.
Check the washers: The washers that connect the inlet pipe to the cistern can also become worn or damaged, which can cause water to continuously leak into the tank. Check the washers for any signs of wear, and replace them if necessary.
Check the chain: The chain that connects the flush lever to the syphon can become too loose or too tight, which can cause the toilet to run continuously. Adjust the chain so that it is at the correct tension.
Need help? Get in touch and I can fix the problem for you.