David Schwartz
A continuous toilet leak is extremely frustrating, especially if you can’t seem to figure out how to stop the flow.
In fact, for a standard 1.6 gallons per flush toilet, a leaking one can waste more than 30,000 gallons of water in just a week! This not only harms the environment but also burns a hole in your pocket.
Fortunately, there are simple ways of figuring out the cause behind a leaky toilet and even simpler ways of fixing them! So come on, let’s see what they are!
1. The flapper chain is not connected
One common reason why your toilet tank won’t stop filling is the incorrect installation of the flapper chain.
First, make sure that the chain is securely connecting the flush lever and the rubber flapper. At times, the chain might get disconnected, and you’ll notice that the toilet keeps running after flushing.
Next, check the flush lever and test it to see if it has too much or too little slack in the chain. If the chain is too short, water will constantly leak into the bowl due to the incorrect seal of the flapper.
On the other hand, if the chain is too long, then it won’t open the flapper at all if you push the lever. In this case, it’s best to cut off the excess length of the chain. If there’s a float attached to the chain, adjust it accordingly so that it rests on the surface of the water.
2. The toilet handle is stuck
Another probable reason the toilet water keeps running is because of some malfunction in the toilet handle itself.
Maybe the toilet tank won’t stop filling because the handle is jammed. The water level has to be high enough so that when the toilet is flushed, it smoothly moves through the toilet bowl.
The handle may also be stuck in the flushed position, which might be why the toilet keeps running after flushing!
To fix this, you must find the lever of the handle and gently pull it up and down a few times. After a few tries, the handle should get back into its original position. If it doesn’t, then you might need to buy a new handle.
3. The fill valve is leaky
One easy way to check for a leaky fill valve is if water spills out from the tank’s sides.
But if the overflow tube is working fine and even after that, the toilet tank won’t stop filling, it might be because of a worn-out fill valve.
Since the overflow tube is working, the excess water might not spill out from the sides, but the toilet will continue to run.
To check the fill valve, turn off the water supply to the toilet by pulling the lever located behind the toilet bowl. Next, flush the toilet to drain the water and check the sealing around the valve edges.
One great way to repair valve leaks for good is to install the toilet leak prevention valve. It is a hydro-generated automation system that works on a specialized motion sensor, meaning you won’t have to worry about annoying leaks or cracks on your toilet valve anymore!
4. The water pressure is too high
In old homes, the city’s high-pressure water supply might cause the toilet valve to not close or fill up properly. As a result, the toilet bowl will keep filling up, and your toilet tank won’t stop filling.
Since it’s difficult to contact the city’s regulatory authorities and change your plumbing system, you can go for the easier alternative. Purchase a smart valve that compresses the air inside your water meter and eliminates the volume of air.
So, the water pressure becomes more regulated, and you don’t even have to pay any extra water bills!
5. The toilet float is too high
Most of the time, a runny toilet is caused due to a problem with the toilet float. This float is basically a device that tells you how full the tank is.
Open the lid of the tank and check how the float is positioned. You’ll be able to understand if it’s too high if the toilet water keeps running and the float ball is barely above the water level.
If this is the problem, the solution is really simple! All you have to do is nail down the float a little lower using the height adjustment screws. Turn the screw to move the toilet’s float lower into the tank.
Try flushing the toilet now and check if the water is still running. In case the water doesn’t stop running, keep readjusting the float until the water leak is in control.
6. The overflow tube is not aligned
Normally, when you flush the toilet, the rubber flapper covering the flush valve gets released. Once this happens, the water that used to rest in the toilet tank previously is flushed into the toilet bowl at a high speed.
The white tube floating in the middle of the tank is the overflow tube, which prevents the tank from overflowing. If this tube is not aligned well or broken, it can cause leakage.
You can use a hacksaw to cut off the excess part of the tube and correct its alignment before closing the tank lid.
7. There is a blockage
A toilet’s flushing system relies mostly on gravity to get rid of the waste contents. If the toilet itself gets blocked, the remaining waste won’t be flushed out properly, and this will eventually cause the toilet water to keep running.
You can try the easy method and use a toilet auger to snake your way in. Alternatively, you can even use a plunger or call professional services to take a look.
Conclusion
A runny toilet is definitely bad news for your pocket, so why not install some smart devices that will accurately predict your water consumption and prevent any potential leakages? Try out the different devices from The Water Scrooge and forget worrying about damaged toilet tanks!