As a Dallas homeowner, encountering the issue of a toilet that won’t stop running is highly annoying. Not only does the significantly high usage of water result in a high water bill, but it also goes against the water conservation practices encouraged by the local authorities.
The issue of a toilet that won’t stop filling or runs periodically is frustrating. But thankfully, there are easy solutions available to address it promptly. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to understand, figure out, and resolve this problem effectively.
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Reasons Why Your Toilet Keeps Running in Dallas, TX
If you notice that the toilet won’t stop filling even hours after flushing and the water keeps leaking into the bowl, there could be many reasons behind it. While a toilet that has been used for several years will eventually need repair, Dallas residents face hard water issues and occasional high water pressure that potentially damages the toilet. The flush valve and fill valve, designed to work for a specific pressure range, get overwhelmed with higher pressure and develop leaks and cracks. The seals and gaskets get damaged, and valves malfunction, putting strain on the system.
Why Does a Toilet Randomly Run?
Any problem with the fill valve, flush valve, float cup or ball, and the overflow tube results in a toilet that does not stop running. Here are the reasons that might occur:
- The overflow tube is too short or damaged, or the refill tube is damaged
- The chain that joins the flapper to the flush handle may be too long or too short.
- The flapper valve might be worn, not making a tight seal.
- Problems with the float ball or cup unsettle the water level regulations, causing phantom flushing.
- The fill valve may be damaged, preventing it from shutting off properly after filling the tank.
- The fill valve seal might be torn or damaged.
- The flush valve may not seal properly due to sediment buildup or corrosion.
How to Fix a Running Toilet Tank?
Till now, you must have understood how a toilet functions and what can go wrong for it to run continuously. Addressing the specific issue causing the toilet to run will help resolve the problem and prevent water waste. Here are the ways to tackle the issues when you identify them:
Adjusting the Chain
The length of the chain attaching the handle rod to the flapper must be appropriate. If it is too long, it will get tangled or trapped beneath the flapper, not allowing a proper seal. If it is too short, the flapper won’t close properly, not completing the flushing mechanism. Remove the extra chain to avoid tangling if it is too long. You can inspect and adjust the chain length before trying anything else to fix a toilet that runs.
Replacing the Flapper
If the rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank is beat-up, the water constantly leaks into the bowl, causing the tank to fill continuously. Another issue a worn or warped toilet flapper causes is that the toilet runs periodically, also known as a phantom flush.
Get a similar replacement toilet flapper by taking the damaged one to the hardware store. Turn off the water supply to the tank, empty it, and install the new flapper. Flush the toilet to check whether the new flapper solves the problem of a constantly running toilet.
Replacing the Overflow Tube
A short or damaged overflow tube in your flush valve assembly may be why a toilet keeps running. Water continues to flow into a short overflow tube, while a damaged one leaks water into the toilet bowl. In both cases, the tube must be replaced with a compatible one for your toilet.
Note that if the overflow tube’s height is appropriate, the high water level in the toilet tank signals an issue with the fill valve.
Replacing the Flush Valve
The flush valve assembly comprises the overflow tube, the flapper, the chain, and the tank-to-bowl hardware, instigating the flushing process. These parts function to release water from the toilet tank into the bowl. After releasing the water, the flush valve closes the flapper, allowing the toilet to refill for next use.
If the flapper, chain, and overflow tube seem fine upon inspection, the reason why a toilet randomly runs is a need for a compatible flush valve assembly. Turn off the isolation valve to the toilet and make sure the tank is dry. Remove the toilet-to-bowl bolts to detach the toilet tank. Unscrew the flush valve nut and remove the assembly.
Install the new flush valve and re-attach the toilet tank to the bowl.
Replace a Faulty Ball Float or Cup
The ball float responsible for shutting the fill valve off may get waterlogged. As a result, it becomes heavy, and the float arm lowers, which is why the toilet randomly runs. You can check it by detaching it and shaking it. If there is water inside, replace it with a new one.
Adjust the Water Level with the Float Rod
A float road attaches the ball float with the fill valve. The high water level in the tank can be adjusted by simply bending the float rod down.
Adjust Fill Valve Adjustment Screw
In place of a ball float, some toilets have a cylindrical float cup that you can find attached to the fill valve. If you want to know how to fix a running toilet without a ball float, try this minor fix first.
- Find a screw that attaches the float cup to the fill valve.
- Slightly turn the screw counterclockwise to adjust the position of the float cup.
- Stop adjusting the screw if the water level lowers and stops flowing into the overflow tube.
Replacing the Fill Valve Seal
If you spot a problem with the fill valve, lift the valve cap and inspect the seal before replacing the whole assembly. Sometimes, the toilet cycles on and off or runs continuously due to a beat-up fill valve seal. Replacing the valve seal is an uncomplicated process you can do yourself.
Get a new fill valve seal from a hardware store. First, turn off the water supply valve before replacing a fill valve seal, and drain some water from the tank. Start by unhooking the valve arm. Twist and remove the valve cap carefully. Inspect the seal for signs of damage and replace it with the new one if needed.
Reassemble the fill valve by placing the valve cap, the adjustment screw, and adjust the float cup if needed.
Replacing the Fill Valve
If the toilet won’t stop filling after you have inspected it for the issues mentioned above, the fill valve needs to be replaced.
- Turn off the water supply to the tank and dry the tank from inside using a towel.
- Unscrew the locking nut with channel locks.
- Remove the old fill valve assembly and install a new one.
- Adjust the float cup height to ensure the desired water level.
- Tighten the fill valve by screwing on the locking nut on the bottom.
- Turn the water on and test the toilet to ensure a successful repair.
FAQs
Why Does My Toilet Keep Running Water into Toilet Bowl Randomly?
If your toilet is running randomly, a faulty fill valve, a worn-out flapper, or a short overflow tube might be the reason.
Can I Fix A Phantom Flush By Myself Without Calling A Plumber?
Yes, you can fix a phantom flush yourself without a plumber by inspecting and replacing a damaged float, a malfunctioning fill valve, or a flush valve.
How Serious Is A Running Toilet Problem?
A running toilet is a serious problem that can waste water and increase bills, so it is important to learn how to fix a running toilet.
What Happens If A Toilet Runs For Several Hours?
If a toilet runs for several hours, there will be excessive water wastage, resulting in a high water bill.
What Is A Ghost Flush?
A ghost flush is when a toilet runs periodically due to a leaky flapper or fill valve.
How Do I Fix A Phantom Flush?
To fix a phantom flush, replace the flapper or the fill valve.
Connect with a Professional Plumber to Fix a Toilet From Running
It is understandable if you are hesitant to carry out the fixes mentioned above yourself, fearing further damage. Deluxe Plumbers is here to connect you with a skilled local plumber who will come to your place and resolve the running toilet issue satisfactorily.