How to Fix a Running Toilet

Family HandymanFamily HandymanUpdated: Dec. 13, 2022
Toilet-repairs-toilet-keeps-running how to replace toilet fill valveFamily Handyman
Next Project
Time

An hour or less

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

Less than $20

Introduction

Fixing a running toilet is a lot easier than you might think. In this article, we'll show you how to identify and solve the problem. Don't be intimidated by the plumbing. The fixes are straightforward, even if you don't have any plumbing experience. So stop wasting water and fix the toilet!

Tools Required

  • Hacksaw
  • Pliers

Materials Required

  • May need new fill valve

Project step-by-step (5)

Step 1

Test the Flapper

  • Push down on the flapper with a stick when you hear the toilet water running and listen for it to stop.
  • If it stops, you know the flapper isn’t sealing properly. Replace it.
  • Check the fill tube length and cut it back so it’s at least 1/2-in. above the water line.
  • To replace the flapper, first shut off the water supply valve under the toilet (or the main supply if the valve leaks!).
  • Flush the toilet to drain out most of the water, then unhook the old flapper.
  • Buy a new flapper of the same type and install it according to the instructions on the package.
  • Hook the flapper chain onto the flush lever arm so there’s a little slack when the flapper is closed.

Toilet Troubleshooting: Test the FlapperFamily Handyman

Step 2

Check the Fill Valve for a Leak

  • Flush the toilet and look for a fill valve leak.
  • Lift up on the toilet float arm when the tank is filling to see if the water stops.
  • Bend or adjust the toilet float arm so the tank stops filling when the water level is 1/2- to one-inch below the top of the overflow pipe.
  • If the fill valve still leaks, replace it as shown in the next photo.

Toilet Troubleshooting: Check the Fill Valve for a Leak diagramFamily Handyman

Step 3

Remove and Replace Old Toilet Fill Valve

  • Turn off the water supply, flush the toilet and sponge the remaining water from the tank.
  • Disconnect the water supply line, unscrew the fill valve locknut and lift out the old fill valve.

Toilet Troubleshooting: Remove the and Replace Old Toilet Fill Valve diagramFamily Handyman

Step 4

Install the New Fill Valve

  • Insert the new fill valve into the tank according to the instruction sheet and tighten the locknut a half turn past hand tight.
  • If the fill valve is at its maximum height, but the overflow pipe is still higher than the critical level mark, shorten the overflow pipe with a hacksaw so it’s one inch lower than the critical level mark on the fill valve.

Install the New Fill Valve diagramFamily Handyman

Step 5

Connect the Fill Tube

  • Attach one end of the new fill tube to the fill valve nipple and the other to the enclosed angle adapter (shorten the tube to avoid kinks, if necessary).
  • Clip the angle adapter onto the overflow pipe.
  • Finish the installation by attaching the flapper chain to the flush lever as described above.
  • Turn on the water and test-flush the toilet.

connect fill tube running toiletFamily Handyman

Originally Published: November 25, 2019