What to do if my toliet is running?

Question

I don't know what is wrong with it

Answer 1

go catch it before it runs over county lines....LOL

Answer 2

you need to determine if the problem is the ballcock or the flapper. to determine if its the ballcock, lift tank lid, and there will either be a ball on metal rod, or a float looking thing where water comes in, this is the ballcock. raise with hand if water stops then this is bad and should be replaced. if water doesnt stop you should replace flapper at center of tank usually connected with a chain from tank handle. when replacing this be sure you write down what kind of toilet it is, (example: kohler, gerber, crane, etc.) this is important because some of the newer toilets have special float type flappers.

Answer 3

in the water closet, ( the box type thing that sets behind your toilet) take the lid off, inside you will see what looks like a ball with a metal long stem attached to it, very carefully bend the long stem down alittle, the ball thing with the long stem is called a ballcock and its a float that when your water reaches a certain level its suppose to stop the water from running. be very careful when you bend it down, it could break so do it gently, if that doesn't work bend it down alittle further till it does stop. do it little at a time not all at once

Answer 4

you need to determine "why" it's running.

Remove the reservoir lid. (kinda heavy)

Look down into the tank.
If the water level is high, then you have a problem with the float valve getting stuck. (they do this over time)

Flush the toilet and move the float up and down with your hand to turn on and off the water supply to the tank.


If the water level is low, then you have a problem with the flapper, and or the chain, and handle that lifts the flapper when you flush.

Answer 5

some types of filler valves are very sensitive to 'trash' in the water supply - rust , sand , etc. this 'trash' can interfere with the seal even when the float has done it's job . i periodically have to clean out one at my mother-in laws house. if you have the instructions that came with your valve , it may tell you how to clear it . or , go to a hardware store and see if you can find one like yours and read the instructions. it usually only involves removing a cap of some sort [by hand] after turning off the water supply , of course , then applying slight water pressure to flush out the junk.

Answer 6

CATCH IT!! lol, sorry, I couldn't resist that!! Try to wiggle the handle, sometimes they get stuck. If that doesn't work, the flapper that closes down onto the hole probably needs to be replaced. Be sure to get it fixed asap, little problems like this tend to really add up on your water bill!
Good luck!

Answer 7

check the float inside the top and see if its hung

Answer 8

try moving the handle up and down.

Answer 9

That you had better go and catch it!!!! (sorry, I could not resist!)