As toilets are one of the most commonly used components of the day, it’s only natural for them to create certain problems once in a while. One of the most common problems homeowners experience on a daily basis related to toilets are running ones. These are problems that can seriously waste our most important non-renewable source—water—as well as cause higher water bills for the homeowners. Most of the time, these running toilets are caused by simple problems that can be solved with a few steps, unless another underlying issue is beneath it. In this article, we will go over how you can fix a running toilet on your own. Of course, if this doesn’t work out to be as you expect or if you simply don’t want to deal with it, you can call the plumbers at New Era Plumbing any time you wish. 

Faulty Flapper

One of the common reasons behind a running toilet is a faulty flapper. If it does not seal properly between uses, the water will gradually drain from the bottom of the tank, and trying to fill the tank will be in vain. To see if this is the case, press around the flapper's edges; if the toilet stops working, this indicates a bad seal. In this case, the flapper needs to be replaced. To do this, turn off the water supply to your toilet. It is usually a little knob on the wall to the right of the toilet, near the floor. After this, carefully remove the tank lid. Flush the toilet to remove the majority of the water, then detach the old flapper. Take pictures of this flapper so you know which model to look for when you go to the store. Purchase a new flapper of the same type and install it according to the manufacturer's directions. During the installation, to give the flapper the space it needs to be working, you should hook the chain of the flapper onto the flush lever arm.

Float

Every fill valve comes with a float that moves according to the water level. So when the tank is filled, the fill valve shuts off based on the water level and the float. If the water level drops, so does the float. If you’ve already checked the flapper and the problem isn’t solved, then you should take a look at the float next. Check the water level; it shouldn’t be more than an inch below the overflow pipe. The water levels show us the condition of the float. Sometimes, the float can also be clogged with water, causing the toilet to run, so you may check that as well. If you hear water when you take the float off and shake it, it’s time to replace it. 

Permanent Solutions

Unfortunately, sometimes, DIYs will only temporarily fix your toilet, especially if a crucial component like the fill valve has failed entirely. In this case, you may prefer to seek a professional for toilet repair, and if they recommend a replacement entirely, that might be more beneficial for you in the long term.

Reliable Plumbers in Your Neighborhood

Some toilet problems are relatively straightforward to tackle. However, there are instances when professional help is essential to ensure the safety of your complete plumbing system. If you feel like there’s a problem deeper than simply running toilets or think it’s time for a toilet installation, professionals at New Era Plumbing would gladly assist you with any type of plumbing repair you may need. Please call us right away!