So, you’re finally tired of a running toilet. Most Chatsworth homeowners wait months to fix their running toilets, to the detriment of their water bills and wallets. But waiting to fix a running toilet isn’t a good idea, and the problem usually comes with an easy solution. Learn more about how you can fix your running toilet without leaving home and how a plumber near me can save the day. 

Adjust the Flapper

If you look at the bottom of your toilet tank, you should see a plastic cup. That cup is known as the flapper, and it’s responsible for letting water leave the tank and enter the bowl. Every time you pull the toilet bowl handle, the handle pulls on a chain that lifts the flapper.  The flapper should only lift up when you pull the handle. However, a flapper might not be flush with the bottom of the tank. If this happens, water might always flow from your tank into the toilet. With nothing to stop the flow of water, your toilet will always run. It’s a vicious cycle that costs you money on your water bill and may constantly annoy you.  Flapper issues are the most common reason for running toilets. For an immediate fix, turn off the water to the toilet. There’s a valve near the toilet that allows you to do just that. Then, remove the flapper and clean it. Scrub the cap and stopper to remove any grime.  Once the flapper is clean, try to place it tightly over the hole. If it still leaks, you need a new flapper. And since you can’t fashion one out of paper, you need to head to the store for a new flapper. The other option is to call a plumber and have them bring the replacement and do the repair. 

Adjust the Chain

If the flapper isn’t the problem, your chain might be. The chain connects the handle of the toilet and the flapper. If the chain isn’t the proper length, the flapper might always be open. This would explain your running toilet.  Checking to see if this is the issue is easy. First, open the toilet tank. Then, look at the chain. Is it pulling on the flapper even though you’re not touching the handle? If so, your chain is too short. The flapper can’t close, and you have running water.  Fortunately, this is a fix you can tackle at home. Your chain attaches to the handle and flapper with simple clips. Move the clip up a few lengths to make the chain longer. If it’s still too short, continue to move the clips up until the length is appropriate. 

Move the Float

Another component of your toilet is the float. This part attaches to the fill valve. Every time you flush, the fill valve puts water in the tank until the float is floating in the tank. As soon as the float is floating, the water flow stops. At times, the float is improperly positioned. In this situation, the tank will become too full and the overflow tube must drain the water. Although you’re not flushing, the toilet will continue to run. The only way to stop this is to adjust the float. Typically, toilets have one of two types of floats. With a ball float, a ball-like float attaches to the fill valve with an arm. Meanwhile, a cup float wraps around the fill valve with no help from an arm. Both types of floats have manual adjustments via a screw. As long as you have pliers, you can turn the screw and lower or raise the float.  It might take some trial and error to get the positioning right. If you can’t seem to figure it out, don’t hesitate to call a plumber for help. 

Fix the Fill Tube

Your overflow pipe connects with a plastic fill tube. Generally, this tube is a small and curvy tube. The fill tube handles the flow of water into the bowl, while the fill valve controls the water that goes into the tank. If your fill tube has the right positioning, it should be above the water line. It should never be under water, and if it is your toilet will run. To remedy this, bend the tube so that it’s out of the water. You may also be able to trim it to a better length. If the tube reaches between the fill and refill valves and is above water, your toilet should stop running. 

What if That Doesn’t Work?

Unfortunately, some issues are more complex than they seem. Despite your troubleshooting, you could still have issues with a running toilet. Instead of wasting more time, you should call a plumbing service. They will be able to assess the situation and determine the best solution. In the end, waiting to repair a running toilet can cost you. It’s fine to try a few of these fixes on your own, but don’t get carried away. Every minute you waste is a minute of wasted water. Whether you’re environmentally friendly or just want to save a few bucks, you should get the issue fixed right away.

Are You Looking for a Plumber Near Me?

Did you try the tips above but still have trouble with your toilet? Or, you might not have the time to play around with your toilet. In any case, you need to find a reliable plumber. And that means doing some research to find the best candidate for the job. Here at Rooter Shark Plumbing, we’ve spent years honing our craft. We know all of the issues that come with a running toilet, and we want to help you. When you call us, you can trust that we’ll give you a thorough and quick repair. By working with us, you can save money on your water bill and save time on your DIY fixes.  So, stop looking for a plumber near me and call us. Whether you have a running toilet in Charsworth or any other issue, we’re here to help.