Over time, toilets may start to operate continuously or intermittently, resulting in increased water consumption. Needless to say, the regular sound of running water will soon be frustrating. However, solving this problem is not too complicated. Taking the time to troubleshoot the charging valve assembly and the flushing valve assembly will help determine the exact cause of the problem.

If any parts need to be replaced during the repair process, make sure to find the parts compatible with the toilet. If you do not have DIY pipe work experience, the process of replacing some parts of the toilet may seem complicated, but by understanding the functions of the toilet and various parts that may cause this problem, you can learn how to repair the running toilet.

Understand the function of the toilet

The first step in repairing a running toilet is to understand the actual operation of the toilet. Most people know that the toilet tank is full of water. When the toilet is flushed, the water will be poured into the toilet, forcing waste and waste water into the drainage pipe. However, ordinary people often do not know the exact details of how this happens.

The water flows into the toilet tank through the water pipe, and the filling valve pipe is used. The water is trapped in the water tank by the baffle, which is a large gasket located at the bottom of the water tank and usually connected to the base of the flushing valve.

When the water tank is filled with water, the float rod or float cup is forced to rise. When the float reaches the set level, the filling valve will prevent water from flowing into the water tank. If the water filling valve of the toilet fails, the water may continue to rise until it overflows into the overflow pipe, which is to prevent accidental flooding.

When the toilet tank is full, the toilet can be flushed with a lever or a flush button, which pulls the chain to lift the baffle. The water then flows out of the tank with sufficient force, and the baffle remains open when the water is flushed into the toilet through holes evenly distributed around the edge. Some toilets also have a second entry point called siphon jet, which can increase the flushing power.

The flood increases the water level in the toilet bowl, causing it to flow into the S-shaped trap and through the main drain pipe. When the tank is empty, the baffle settles back to seal the tank because the water begins to flow back to the tank through the filling valve.

Determine why the toilet works

The toilet is not too complicated, but there are several parts that may cause the toilet to run. Therefore, it is necessary to troubleshoot the problem before solving the problem. The running toilet is usually caused by overflow pipe, flushing valve or filling valve.

Check the water in the tank to see if it flows into the overflow pipe. If water flows into the overflow pipe, the water level may be too high, or the overflow pipe may be too short for the toilet. The water level can be adjusted to solve this problem, but if the overflow pipe is too short, the entire flushing valve assembly needs to be replaced.

If the problem persists, the tap water may be caused by the water filling valve, although the height of the overflow pipe matches the height of the toilet and the water level is set about one inch below the top of the overflow pipe.

If water does not flow into the overflow pipe, it is usually the flushing valve assembly that causes the problem. The chain may be too short to completely close the baffle, or the baffle may be twisted, worn, or stained with dirt, causing water to flow into the tank through the gap.

How to repair the running toilet

The continuous operation of the toilet is not just a worry; This is also an expensive waste of water resources, and you will pay for it in the next water bill. To solve this problem, identify the part causing the problem and take the necessary actions listed below.

What do you need?

Channel lock

bucket

Towel, cloth or sponge

bolt driver

float

baffle

Flushing valve

Filling valve

Flushing valve chain

Step 1: check the height of overflow pipe

The overflow pipe is part of the flushing valve assembly. If the current flush valve assembly is not compatible with the toilet, the overflow pipe may be too short. Pipes may also be cut too short during installation. If the overflow pipe is too short, resulting in continuous water flow, the flush valve assembly needs to be replaced with a compatible flush valve. However, if the height of the overflow pipe matches the height of the toilet, the problem may be the water level or the water filling valve.

Step 2: lower the water level in the water tank

Ideally, the water level should be set approximately one inch below the top of the overflow pipe. If the water level is set higher than this value, it is recommended to lower the water level by adjusting the float rod, float cup or float ball. The float rod and float ball usually protrude from the side of the filling valve, while the float cup is a small cylinder, which is directly connected to the filling valve and slides up and down with the water level.

To adjust the water level, find the screw that connects the float to the filling valve and turn the screw counterclockwise by about a quarter turn using a screwdriver or a set of channel locks. Continue the quarter turn adjustment until the float is set to the desired level. Remember that if water is trapped in the float, it will be located at a lower position in the water, leaving the filling valve partially open. Correct this problem by replacing the float.

If the water continues to flow until it flows into the overflow pipe, regardless of the float level, the problem may be caused by the wrong filling valve. However, if the water continues to flow but does not flow into the overflow pipe, there may be a problem with the flushing valve.

Step 3: check the flushing valve chain

The flushing valve chain is used to lift the baffle according to the toilet rod or flushing button used. If the flushing valve chain is too short, the baffle will not close properly, resulting in a steady flow of water through the toilet. Similarly, if the chain is too long, it may get stuck under the baffle and prevent the baffle from closing.

Check the flushing valve chain to ensure that it is of the correct length to allow the baffle to close completely without the possibility of an additional chain becoming an obstacle. You can shorten the chain by removing multiple links until the correct length is reached, but if the chain is too short, you may need to replace the flushing valve chain to solve the problem.

Step 4: check the baffle

The baffle is usually made of rubber and may deform, wear or become contaminated with dirt over time. Check the baffle for obvious signs of wear, warpage or dirt. If the baffle is damaged, replace it with a new one. If it is only dirt, just clean the baffle with warm water and vinegar solution.

Step 5: replace the flushing valve

After checking the overflow pipe, the water level setting, the length of the flushing valve chain, and the current status of the baffle, you may find that the problem is caused by the actual flushing valve assembly. Buy a compatible flush valve assembly online or from a local home improvement shop to ensure that the new overflow pipe is high enough to accommodate the toilet tank

Start the replacement process by using the isolation valve on the inlet pipe to close the water in the toilet. Next, flush the toilet to drain the water, and use a cloth, towel or sponge to remove the remaining water in the water tank. Use a set of channel locks to disconnect the water supply from the water tank.

You need to remove the toilet water tank from the toilet to remove the old flush valve assembly. Remove the bolts from the water tank to the toilet, and carefully lift the water tank from the toilet to access the toilet to toilet gasket. Loosen the flushing valve nut and remove the old flushing valve assembly and place it in a nearby sink or bucket.

Install the new flush valve in place, then tighten the flush valve nut, and replace the oil tank to filter cup gasket before returning the oil tank to its original position. Fix the bolts of the water tank to the toilet and reconnect the water supply to the toilet. Reopen the water and fill the water tank with water. When refueling, take time to check the bottom of the tank for leaks. If the water continues to flow after the water tank is full, the water tank to bowl pad or baffle may be improperly installed.

Step 6: replace the filling valve

If you find that the height of the overflow pipe matches the height of the toilet, and the water level is set about an inch below the overflow pipe, but the water continues to flow into the overflow pipe, the problem may be the water filling valve. Replacing the filling valve is not as difficult as dealing with a faulty flushing valve.

Use the isolation valve on the inlet pipe to close the water supply to the toilet, and then flush the toilet to drain the water tank. Use a cloth, towel or sponge to absorb the remaining water, and then use a set of channel locks to remove the water supply pipe. Unscrew the lock nut on the bottom of the tank to loosen the filling valve assembly.

Remove the old filler valve assembly and place it in the water tank or bucket, then install the new filler valve assembly. Adjust the height of the filling valve and float to ensure that they are at the correct height of the toilet. Fix the filling valve assembly to the bottom of the oil tank with a lock nut. After the new filling valve is in place, reconnect the water supply line and re open the water supply. When the water tank is filled with water, check the bottom of the water tank and the water supply pipeline for leakage. If the repair is successful, when the float reaches the set water level, the water will stop flowing into the water tank instead of continuing to fill until it overflows into the overflow pipe.

When to contact the plumber

Even if you have some DIY experience, such as carpentry or landscaping, you may not fully understand the various parts of the toilet and how they work together to create a functional device for waste management. If the above steps seem too complicated, or you are nervous about trying to repair the water pipe yourself, it is recommended to contact a professional plumber to solve the problem. Trained professionals may cost more, but they can ensure that the work is done quickly, safely and effectively, so you don't have to worry about potential problems, such as the overflow pipe is too short or the toilet tank leaks.