Hearing a gurgling noise when flushing can be a nuisance as it means that your toilet tank is running.
And, if it’s running for more than a few minutes, you will be dealing with severe water waste and higher utility bills.
Don’t fret — here are a few things you can do to fix the problem.
But before you start fiddling around with the inner workings of your bathroom, make sure to turn off the water.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to fix a running toilet in just a few minutes without having to call a professional plumber.
Parts That Can Cause A Running Toilet
Fortunately, fixing a running toilet is usually an easy task. Here are three different toilet parts that could be the reason for a running toilet:
The Flapper
The flapper is the rubber seal that covers the hole at the bottom of the tank. When you flush, the flapper lifts up, allowing water to rush into the bowl. If the flapper isn’t sealing correctly, water will leak out of the tank and into the bowl, causing the toilet to run and need a toilet flapper fix.
The Fill Valve
The fill valve is what controls the water level in the tank. If it’s not working properly, water will continue to flow into the tank long after it should have stopped.
The Flush Valve
The flush valve is located at the bottom of the tank, which opens to release water into the bowl when you flush. If it’s not sealed properly, water will leak out of the tank and into the bowl, causing a running toilet.
Once you’ve identified the problem, fixing a toilet that keeps running is usually pretty easy. In most cases, you’ll need some time and a few basic tools.
How To Fix Phantom Flush?
A phantom flush is a problem with the plumbing system that can cause the toilet to run continuously after being flushed. Phantom flushes are usually caused by a problem with the fill or flush valve and can be repaired easily.
If you have a phantom flush, the first thing you should do is turn off the water at the shutoff valve. This will prevent any further water from flowing into the tank. Next, take a look at the fill and flush valve to see if they’re working correctly. If not, simply replace them.
Best Ways To Fix A Running Toilet
Let’s look at some prominent ways for fix running water in the toilet.
Shut Off The Water Supply To The Toilet
The first step is to shut off the water supply to the toilet tank, which is usually located near the floor, close to the wall. Now you only need to twist the valve handle in a clockwise direction.
If you can’t find the main shutoff valve, there may be a secondary valve closer to the toilet. Just look for a small lever or handle on the tank and rotate it in a clockwise direction to stop the flow of water.
Flush The Toilet To Drain Any Excess Water
If there is excess water in the toilet, flushing it will help to drain it.
It’s important to note that excessive flushing can actually create more problems, such as clogs and overflows. So if possible, try to avoid over-flushing and use other methods to remove excess water from the toilet.
Remove The Tank Lid And Check It
Removing the tank lid is one way to check for clogs or leaks. If there is water present in the tank, it’s a good indication of a problem. To determine where the leak is coming from, it’s essential to inspect all of the components inside the tank.
Some common causes of leaks include cracked tanks, faulty flappers, clogged pipes, or even corroded pipes.
If you notice any signs of damage or corrosion, it’s best to call a professional plumber for assistance. They will be able to locate and fix the source of the leak quickly and efficiently.
Clean Out Any Debris Or Blockages
If you have a septic tank, you need to clean it out regularly to prevent any issues.
You need to remove any debris or blockages in the tank and around the flapper valve. You can do this by using a small shovel or trowel.
Check The Flapper
If the problem still exists, you must check the flapper valve. Often, a constantly running toilet is caused by a faulty flapper. One can fix a leaky toilet flapper by replacing the damaged one with a new one. Make sure that it is tight and secure before proceeding. Once the new flapper valve is in place, flush the toilet several times to check for leaks.
Examine The Fill Valve
The fill valve controls the water flow into your tank and stays on until it has been filled. The fill valves tend to get damaged with time due to mineral scales, debris, and dirt. Also, it’s possible that your fill valve is leaking and needs to be replaced. A quick and easy fix is purging the fill valve and checking for leaks.
Top Tips For Bathroom Maintenance
Here are some tips for the upkeep of bathrooms:
- Place a garbage can next to the toilet for easy disposal of tissues and other waste products
- Keep a supply of disinfectant wipes near the sink to quickly clean surfaces before leaving the bathroom
- Ensure you have a squeegee for cleaning the shower and tub
- Keep a bathmat outside the shower or tub so that you can dry off quickly
- Install shelving above the toilet so you can store towels, tissues, and other supplies
- Keep a small basket or container next to the sink for storing hand soap, toothpaste, and other personal care items
- Use a cleaner with bleach regularly to sanitize the toilet bowl
- Wipe down the bathroom mirror after every use
Key Takeaways
If your water keeps running in the toilet, it’s essential to find and fix the source of the problem as soon as possible. Following these simple steps, you can troubleshoot and repair a running toilet quickly and easily.
If you’re still having problems, make sure to call a professional plumber for assistance, and who better than Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC? Our team of experts is available 24/7 to help you with all your plumbing needs.
Call now and fix your running toilet in no time.
