How do you fix a running toilet?

Question

I took the top off of the tank to see what is going on. When you flush the toilet, the flapper at the bottom that plugs the hole stays up. How do I fix this? My son is three and goes potty by himself and the toilet runs all day until we hear it. Help!!!

Answer 1

The fact that the flapper stays up is a critical factor in solving this puzzle. If the chain was too short, the flapper would/could never do down so that is NOT the case.

Look at the mounting where the flapper is attached to whatever part it is attached to. Does it look straight or twisted up? Is there corrosion or lime buildup in that area? Is the flapper hitting anything? Anything that can keep the flapper from moving as it is intended.

If that doesn't help, then any idea how old the flapper is? If you don't know, or it is very old, just replace it. They are very cheap and they do get old.

You described the problem well. That fact that the flapper stays up was very important to answering this.

Answer 2

There is a chain that attaches to the flapper and goes to the flush handle. Normally when installed the chain is adjusted to the third link on the chain. Try removing the clip from the handle and connecting it to the the second or third link from where it is currently connected. This will basically shorten the length of the chain to the flapper and reduce the time it stays up to allow water out. Repeat this process until it gets to the point you still have good flush action and the flapper closes properly. I included two web sites you can view to help with additional problems. Good Luck!

http://home.howstuffworks.com/toilet.htm
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/toiletrunning

Answer 3

Check the hinge portion of the flapper and see if there is a kink or obstruction preventing.

Is the chain catching on some part of the flapper?

Try this. When you think the flapper is seated properly, turn the water, to the toilet, off. Does the water level go down? If so, its time to replace.

Another bit of advice: Never use addatives in the tank of a toilet. Most cleaning chemicals damage the rubber seals of toilet mechanics and void warranties supplied by the manufacturer.

Good luck

Answer 4

I recently had this problem with 4 toilets in my home and it was the flush valve/flapper, not the chain, just as you're describing.

Hopefully this link will assist you. Home Depot had everything I needed, except they had silver handles and I chose to keep my white for each toilet.

Good luck to you!


http://www.doityourself.com/stry/repairtoilet

If the toilet is still running, the valve seat and stopper may have corrosion or build-up preventing the stopper from closing. Lift the stopper up and check for any objects. Gently scour the seat and the rim. If there is a great deal of damage, replace the stopper and valve seat.

Step 4: The flush valve assembly may have to be replaced if the toilet is still running. Take the old parts with you when purchasing new inside gaskets and assemble to ensure a perfect match. If the shaft of the assembly is cracked, the whole shaft and assembly will need to be replaced. Again take the flush valve assembly with you to get a perfect match.

Answer 5

well, you have to determine WHY it is staying up.is the float chain too short, or too long and wrapped around something? is the lever just sticking in the up position? is the flapper just worn out?

The easiest solution to all these problems is to by a float kit at a home center. the instructions on installing it will be on the kit. they don't usually cost much. if the lever itself is staying in the flush position, a little lubrication with wd40 might solve it. check to see if something is obstructing the flapper valve before you do any thing, though. once you change one out, you will then understand how they work, and can solve the problems associated with them as they arise.

Answer 6

you can adjust the length of the chain that pulls the flapper up. Make it longer so the flapper does not become fully upright. After a couple of tries you will get the right length.

Answer 7

Step a million: First verify the handbook rod or chain on the tank stopper. If the rod is bent or the chain links are twisted, merely straighten them. Step 2: next verify the opt for the flow mechanism. If lifting the ball up stops the water from operating, attempt to bend the opt for the flow arm all the way down to get the right buoyancy. in case you spot that the ball has water in it, it needs to get replaced. replace it by unscrewing it from the arm and putting a sparkling one instead. Step 3: If the bathroom remains operating, the valve seat and stopper might want to have corrosion or construct-up scuffling with the stopper from final. raise the stopper up and verify for any products. gently scour the seat and the rim. If there is very a lot of damage, replace the stopper and valve seat. Step 4: The flush valve assembly might want to might want to get replaced if the bathroom remains operating. Take the former factors with you even as buying new interior gaskets and carry mutually to verify a ideal journey. If the shaft of the assembly is cracked, the full shaft and assembly will favor to get replaced. lower back take the flush valve assembly with you to get a ideal journey.

Answer 8

Most toilets the rubber flapper generally snaps on...replace it. Make sure chain or cable isnt haging or too tight...check that flapper is not hanging on something...make sure there isnt any air in the flapper making it float...

Answer 9

You are wastings thousands of gallons of water. Go to any hardware or home store and buy a new flapper replacement for less than $5. They come with instructions and are very easy to install.

Answer 10

Untill you get it fixed you need to jigle the handle a couple times after flushing. Sounds like the chain inside needs pulling up, it is catching underneath.