A running toilet wastes a lot of water. A quick test tells you which part is failing.
When water spills into the overflow tube, the fill valve is set too high and never fully shuts off. Difficulty: Level 2: Getting Handy. Plan on 15 to 45 min.
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The fill valve is set too high. Find the adjustment: a clip or screw on the float cup, or a screw on the float arm.
Lower the float so the water stops about an inch below the top of the overflow tube, or at the line marked inside the tank.
Flush and check where the water stops.
Color in the bowl means water is leaking past the flapper, the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. Flappers wear out and warp over time. Difficulty: Level 2: Getting Handy. Plan on 15 to 45 min.
Safety: If the shutoff valve behind the toilet won't turn or starts leaking when you turn it, stop. Don't force it.
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If the shutoff valve behind the toilet won't turn or starts leaking when you turn it, stop. Don't force it.
Turn off the water at the valve behind the toilet and flush to empty the tank.
Check the chain first. It needs about half an inch of slack. Too tight holds the flapper open.
Unhook the old flapper and wipe the seat it sits on.
Install a new flapper of the same size (2-inch or 3-inch), connect the chain, and turn the water back on.
Repeat the food coloring test to confirm.
A toilet that hisses or refills on its own, without a flapper leak, usually has a worn fill valve. Difficulty: Level 2: Getting Handy. Plan on 15 to 45 min.
Safety: If the shutoff valve behind the toilet won't turn or starts leaking when you turn it, stop. Don't force it.
Affiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through these links costs you nothing extra. Prices and availability are shown on the store's site, and you can buy these anywhere.
If the shutoff valve behind the toilet won't turn or starts leaking when you turn it, stop. Don't force it.
Turn off the water, flush, and sponge out the rest of the tank.
Put a towel down. Disconnect the supply line under the tank and remove the locknut holding the old valve.
Set the new valve's height per its instructions, install it, and hand-tighten the locknut plus a little more.
Clip the refill tube to the overflow tube. Keep it above the water line.
Reconnect the supply line, turn the water on slowly, check for drips and adjust the water level.
An old shutoff valve can break or leak when forced. If it won't close, turn off the main water to the house and call a plumber to replace the valve.