How To Fix A Running Toilet In 4 Easy Steps
If you've noticed water trickling into the toilet bowl after it's been flushed, you likely have a problem with a running toilet. Other signs of a running toilet include sounds of water running, the toilet flushing on its own, and the need to jiggle or hold the handle down to stop the flow. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to fix a running toilet.
As part of your Tenancy agreement, you are required to undertake minor repairs and maintenance to the property and this includes fixing a running toilet.
As a tenant, you may think that fixing your toilet seems like too big a task but in fact, it only takes a short time. Of course, you can call a contractor to do it but this will likely cost £80 upwards.
The video and the guide below may not represent the different types of toilets in the market but they will give you the basic steps for fixing your running toilet.
What Causes a Toilet to Run?
Before we get into how to fix a running toilet, it’s important to understand what causes toilets to run in the first place.
A running toilet is often caused by a faulty flapper, which is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank that controls the release of water into the bowl.
The flapper can become warped or degraded over time, which prevents it from sealing properly and causes water to leak into the bowl. In some cases, mineral deposits like limescale can build up on the flapper and prevent it from sealing as well.
Fixing a Running Toilet
There are five ways you can take to check and fix a running toilet:
Check to see if the water level in the tank is too high.
The water level should be just below the overflow pipe. If the water level is too high, adjust the float ball or float cup accordingly.
See if there is any debris in the fill valve.
The fill valve is the part of the toilet mechanism that controls how much water flows into the bowl after it's been flushed. Debris can prevent the fill valve from closing properly, which will cause water to leak into the bowl. Remove any debris and see if that solves the problem.
Check the flapper for damage or wear and tear.
Another possible cause of a running toilet is a faulty flapper (the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank that lifts when you flush and falls back into place when the tank is full). If it looks warped or damaged in any way, it will need to be replaced. You can find replacement flappers at most DIY stores and replacing them should help solve the problem.
In some cases, a running toilet may be caused by a defective flush valve.
The flush valve is the mechanism inside the toilet tank that connects to the flush handle or button. It is the part of the toilet that allows water to enter the bowl when you flush. If your flush valve is defective, it will need to be replaced.
Lastly, check the inlet valve.
If the water that is flowing into the toilet tank is too strong, it may throw off the flapper's timing to close after the tank has emptied. Adjust the valve so that the water does not rush in quite as quickly to refill the tank and give the flapper time to settle back properly.
Fixing Your Running Toilet In A Flash!
Fixing a running toilet is relatively easy and only requires a few tools that are likely already in your home. By following these steps, you can check and fix your running toilet in no time at all.
But if you find that fixing your running toilet using these steps has not been successful, please contact us on 02071508844 and we will be able to send out a contractor. However, if the repair needed falls under your responsibility as a tenant then you will be charged for the work.
Reminder That You May Be Charged - Where our contractor has arranged a time with you to attend and you postpone, cancel, or don't show up or where it is your fault for the appointment not proceeding you will be responsible for paying the call-out charge for the contractor and potentially any restocking fee for parts. Where the fault, issue or damage, is put down to your or other tenants, permitted occupiers, or guests' actions, you will be responsible for paying for the repair. These terms are already part of your Tenancy Agreement.