How to Fix a Running Toilet
March 25, 2009 | In: Home
Fix A Running Toilet
You may find one day that your toilet is overflowing with water. You then ask yourself what could be the problem. There’s no use in panicking because the problem can be simple and easy to fix. There could be several reasons for this such as the ball cock’s diaphragm or the tank flap.
Here are some steps you can take to check the problem of your toilet.
The first thing to do is to remove the lid of your toilet tank and carefully place it on the floor. It would be best to place it on a mat so as not to scratch your tiled floor.
Next, check the ball cock or the valve that is connected to a plastic or metal ball at the end of a long rod. The float arm may need to be bended a little to achieve the right buoyancy. By bending the float arm downward, you can also lower the tank’s water level so it won’t spill out. When water is coming out of this valve or the ball, it’s a sign that you need to clean or perhaps replace it. If you’re replacing it, make sure to bring the old parts to the store so that you can buy the same type.
When it comes to fixing the ball cock diaphragm, prepare all the tools you will need such as a screwdriver. Snap off the cover first and remove the four screws. The rubber diaphragm is attached to the arm of the float control. Remove it and check if it has rust buildup or hard-water deposit. You can clean it then or if it’s worn out, a new one is needed.
Find out also if the chain attached to the tank stopper is well connected. If it’s twisted, you only have to straighten it.
Hold the rubber tank flap and see if it fully closes the water drain. If the water stops when you do that, the problem may be that the rubber stopper is already deformed and needs to be replaced. It could also be that the stopper has corrosion or build-up that makes it impossible to close the hole. You can brush the valve seat and rim but be careful not to overdo it.
The toilet’s flush valve components may need to be replaced when no longer working or when you observe leaking signs. Signs of a leak are the sound of water trickling or gurgling even when the toilet is not in use. Leaks may not be known right away as they can happen gradually but when sounds of water trickling bother you, then it’s time for a check.
A good way of checking a leak is by using food coloring in the water tank. If you see colored water in the toilet bowl after a few minutes, it only means that water leaked through and it’s time to change the flush valve.
Don’t forget to bring all the necessary parts when buying a new assembly at the hardware store or a store that specializes in plumbing fixtures. In this way, the staff will know right away what brand and type you need.
Keep in mind that at home, flushing toilets contribute 30 to 40 percent to the average water usage. So make sure that you cure your toilet’s problem right away to save you from a high water bill.
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