How To Fix a Running Toilet

Dealing with a running toilet is annoying, noisy and inconvenient. You might think only a professional plumber can fix it, but with a little elbow grease, you can fix it in the comfort of your own home. In this guide, we'll outline the simple steps to take to repair your running toilet and restore peace to your bathroom and home.

Signs Your Toilet is Running

• Constant running water sounds
• The cistern is refilling frequently
• Higher than normal water bills
• Your toilet is randomly refilling throughout the day

What Causes a Running Toilet?

Leaking and running toilets can happen at any time and it can be difficult to immediately pinpoint the exact cause. In many cases, the issue stems from worn-out or damaged components inside the cistern, like washers and spindles. Damage to the washer prevents the toilet from sealing and filling properly.

Some of the most common causes of a running toilet include:

• Faulty flapper valve
• Damaged fill valve
• Incorrect float height
• Mineral and sediment build up within the cistern
• A cracked cistern
• A damaged overflow valve

How To Fix A Running Toilet In 5 Simple Steps

• Remove The Cistern Lid

First things first, to have a look at what’s going on inside your toilet, you’ve got to remove the cistern lid. The cistern houses the float ball, flapper valve, fill valve, chain and flush passage.

Place the lid somewhere safe so you won't trip over it while you inspect the toilet's internal parts.

• Check The Water Level

Inspect the water level inside the cistern. Most modern toilets have a fill line that indicates the right water level. If the water is sitting above this line, it may be constantly draining into the bowl and refilling. In many cases, refilling the water level helps prevent the toilet from running and prevents unnecessary water waste.

• Inspect Your Toilet’s Float

This float controls how much water enters the cistern. Check if it moves freely and isn’t stuck on anything, damaged or sitting too high. If the float isn't working properly, your toilet will continue to fill and run long after you've flushed it.

• Examine the Flapper Valve, Fill Valve and Chain

One of the most common causes of a running toilet is a damaged or worn out flapper valve. The flapper creates a seal at the bottom of the cistern and lifts up when you flush the toilet. If your flapper valve appears cracked, warped or brittle, replacing it is the best course of action.

You should also inspect the fill valve for signs of wear and tear or damage. A malfunctioning fill valve will allow water to enter the cistern even after its reached the correct level.

Finally, check the chain connecting the flush handle to the flapper valve. If the chain is too tight, it holds the flapper valve down and prevents it from sealing properly. This allows water to trickle down into your toilet bowl, causing that annoying dripping noise.

If the chain is too tight, it holds the flapper up and prevents it from sealing. Unhook the chain and loosen it slightly. Even adjusting the chain the smallest amount can help your toilet to run smoother.

• Turn the Water Supply Back On And Test

After you've had all the necessary adjustments or replacements, turn the water supply back on and let your toilet cistern completely refill. Flush the toilet a few times and check that no water is leaking out of the cistern or at the back of the bowl.

What If My Toilet Is Still Running?

If you have checked and replaced the flapper valve, adjusted the float and the fill valve and your toilet is still running, it points to a more serious issue. In that situation, a more detailed plumbing inspection is needed to double-check what is going on with your toilet and to prevent further water damage to your bathroom and home.

When is it Time to Call a Plumber for Your Leaking Toilet?

Most of the time, toilet plumbing problems can be fixed at home with a couple of tools and elbow grease. However, there are several situations where calling in a professional plumber is the best course of action. If you’ve replaced both the toilet flapper valve and the fill valve and are still experiencing running problems, then your cistern could be cracked or damaged.

Our plumbers have over 40 years of experience and can quickly diagnose running toilets, leaking cisterns and other toilet plumbing problems wherever you live in Sydney.

Chat to our experienced plumbers for a personalised quote and expert guidance on 0411 724 011 or fill out our online enquiry form today.