My toilet keeps running. How can I fix it?

Question

My toilet tank keeps filling with a slow hiss and is overflowing into that tall tube inside the tank. There is no rod and ball float. Instead it's got a yellow rectangular float looking thing on the main water tube. The yellow rectangular float does not move up or down.

I've looked on the internet, and every example always has the rod and ballfloat example.

Is there a simple adjustment I can make so it will to stop filling the tank after the tank is full?

Added detail. When I flush the toilet and the water level goes down, the yellow float thing does not move down at all, even if I push it down.

Answer 1

Hi there;

I have an answer for you that I got from the "this old house" web site. While I could try to explain what you should here it would be long and tedious. So, try going to the links below.
The first link has the three main types of toilet mechanisms. Yours is in there and you can apply the fix-it solutions from those pictures of the insides of the tank. :D
The second is a link to the solutions.

Good luck friend :)

Answer 2

Here's the solution. The float bulb raises and shuts off a valve that is located in the fill tube area. These wear out and sometime need replacement. Test the valve by lifting slightly on the float, If water shuts off. Check the float bulb for water in it. If none, sounds like valve may be bad. It is a rather simple fix if your mechanical. Also check the flap at the base of the toilet tank. This is were water can run continuously if not fully closed. Another simple fix. Both parts can be purchase at your local hardware store. When you flush, A simple chain pulls up the flapper and releases the water to flow out the bowl. After the water leaves the tank, the tank needs to refill and then stop filling when full. This is done by the float which shuts off the valve.

Answer 3

There might be some sand or grit in the valve of the water inlet that's the wire or arm attached to the square float. Turn of the water supply first, sometimes you can take off the cap over the inlet tube and disassemble the arm connecting to the stopper for the inlet valve, and slightly turn on the supply and blow out whatever is keeping the valve from seating.
Check the flapper valve that's the one that releases all the water when you push the handle to flush

Answer 4

I am not familiar with a yellow float, but if there is a metal rod attached to it with a spring steel clip move the clip down (by pinching it together).Make sure the float is moving freely. If this doesn't work install a Fluidmaster valve.

Answer 5

Check and see if the seal is ok that keeps the water in the tank. If the stopper doesn't shut the water will continue leaking into the bowl. The little hose will keep trying to fill the tank.

Answer 6

The yellow float is broken. Get it replaced by a plumber.

Answer 7

there should be a movable clip that adjust the float, find and compress it to adjust the float level.
if this does not work then check and adjust the intake valvr screw ( this is on the in side of the tank)

Answer 8

You could have a hole in the ball thing in the tank. your flapper thinger might be broken too. check it out in the tank part and if anything's cracked head down to home depot or somewhere and get the part. if all else fails then call a plumber...

Answer 9

Turn the water off, it should be underneath and don't waste anymore water or your bill will go up. Then call a plumber.

Answer 10

You need to chase it down and say loving things to it. Then it will stay and not run anymore. Good luck. For reals, just get a new toilet.