How do I fix a toilet that flushes by itself?

Question

Occasionally, the toilet in my new house sounds like it's flushing all by itself, even though nobody is using it. It also fills very slowly.

I think it must be some sort of valve problem, and I tried to Google but didn't find anything that sounds like my problem.

Since we just bought the house, I have no way of knowing how old the toilet is. It looks old, but that doesn't mean much because I know the previous owners renovated. The sink is old, but the clawfoot tub only looks old. The toilet unit looks old on the outside, but the mechanism inside looks new. We don't have one of those bulb floaty things, just a cylinder-looking thing.

I appreciate your help!

Well, the flapper does not appear to be leaking at all. The water in the bowl doesn't show any motion and doesn't drop in quantity. I put some blue food coloring in the tank to see if it was leaking and the water in the bowl stayed clear.

So, other than fixing the grey and black thingamajigette....any suggestions?

Answer 1

looks like part of your problem has been addressed, assuming that you have a tank with a flapper. most likely you do. most toiletswill do well with a "korky" brand flapper. if the flapper has a float on the chain or is wierd looking, you wil have to get an exact replacement. genuine preferrable. now, for the slow filling, you most likely have a fluidmaster fill valve. black and gray? get rid of it and put in an old style ballcock with a float. assuming that you have room. a few tanks are too small. most toilets have the year built and possibly the makers name stamped on the lid and/or the back of the tank. hope this helps.

Answer 2

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RE:
How do I fix a toilet that flushes by itself?
Occasionally, the toilet in my new house sounds like it's flushing all by itself, even though nobody is using it. It also fills very slowly.

I think it must be some sort of valve problem, and I tried to Google but didn't find anything that sounds like my problem.

Since we just bought...

Answer 3

The flapper in the bottom of the tank is leaking water. When the water level in the tank becomes low, the fill-valve thinks the toilet was flushed and adds water to the tank. Change out the flapper or make sure the sealing surface on it is clean.

Answer 4

fix toilet flushes

Answer 5

It is most likely the flapper in the tank. You can get a replacement kit for all of the moving parts on a toilet from any hardware store . Its really easy check out this link
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/h2repairtoilet

Answer 6

Check the flapper. It's the rubber piece on the inside bottom of the tank. The flapper lifts up when flushed to allow fresh water to fill the bowl.

Answer 7

You are losing water from the tank..when the tank level gets low enough (and it doesn't need to be much) the refill valve opens and allows water to run in until a preset level is reached. Can you see even slight water movement in the stool after the refill valve has shut off? Can you hear anything..even a slight water running sound.? Is there water on the floor?

Answer 8

Wow, is the place Haunted? Don't laugh, my Dad had an episode in his house recently that no one can explain.

Answer 9

I believe your house is haunted and its a ghost trying to let you know he is there!!