Is your toilet constantly running, even when you’re not using it?
One of the most common causes of a running toilet is a faulty flapper valve. This small rubber piece is responsible for sealing off the flow of water into the bowl after you flush. Over time, it can become worn out or damaged, leading to leaks and wasted water.
But don’t worry, replacing a flapper valve is a relatively simple process that you can do yourself with just a few basic tools.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to identify and fix a running toilet caused by a faulty flapper valve. So let’s get started!
How To Stop A Running Toilet Flapper
Step 1: Turn off the water supply
Before you start working on your toilet, you’ll need to turn off the water supply. Locate the shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply.
Step 2: Remove the tank lid
Lift the tank lid off the tank and set it aside.
Step 3: Check the flapper valve
Reach into the water (it’s clean) and feel the flapper valve. It should be soft and pliable. Over time, a flapper valve will get stiff and brittle, and it will no longer provide a good seal against the mouth of the flush valve. If you notice any cracks or damage to the flapper valve, it’s time to replace it.
Step 4: Remove the old flapper valve
To remove the old flapper valve, first, turn off the water supply. Then, flush the toilet to drain all of the remaining water from the tank. The flapper valve will have a chain that attaches to the flush lever inside your tank, which you can unclip. Different flappers mount into the tank in different ways, but you should be able to wiggle, bend, and otherwise remove the flapper from the base of the tank.
Step 5: Buy a new flapper valve
Your new flapper valve will need to be the same size and type as your old one. The easiest way to ensure you’re buying the right flapper valve is to take your old one to the hardware store with you so you can compare models. Most hardware store staff will also be able to help you.
Step 6: Install the new flapper valve
The exact installation method you’ll use will depend on the type of flapper valve you have, so refer to the directions that come with your new one. In general, though, you’ll need to attach it to the base of your toilet tank and reattach the chain to your flush lever.
Step 7: Adjust the chain length
The chain length needs to be just right. If it’s too long, it may prevent the flapper valve from closing fully and prevent a good seal when closed. If it’s too short, it may not allow enough water into the bowl for a full flush. Adjust the chain so there’s about 1/2-inch of slack when your flush lever is in its normal position.
Step 8: Test your toilet
Flush your toilet a few times to make sure everything is working properly. The water level in your tank should stop just below the top of the overflow tube. If it doesn’t, adjust your fill valve until it does.
Identifying A Running Toilet
A running toilet can be a major source of water wastage and can result in high water bills. To identify if your toilet is running, there are several signs to look out for. First, if you hear a hissing sound after flushing your toilet instead of the usual gurgling sound, it is likely that your toilet is running. Another sign to look out for is if you notice water trickling down the sides of the toilet bowl long after it has been flushed or if you notice your toilet flushing on its own without touching the handle. This is known as phantom flushing and can be a sign of a silent leak.
One easy way to test if your toilet is leaking is to conduct a simple Toilet Dye Test. This involves dripping 10 to 15 drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and waiting for 10 minutes without flushing. If colored water appears in the toilet bowl, it indicates that there is a leak in or around the plunger ball or flapper valve at the bottom of the tank.
If you suspect that your toilet is running, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further water wastage and potential damage to your home. You can try adjusting the water level by adjusting the height of the float or by tightening or loosening screws or clips. If this does not solve the problem, you may need to replace the flapper valve or other parts such as the overflow tube, flush valve, or fill valve. By following these steps and identifying the signs of a running toilet, you can take action to prevent water wastage and keep your water bills under control.
Understanding The Flapper Valve
The flapper valve is an essential component of your toilet’s tank. It’s a rubber piece that flips open when the flush handle is used, allowing water to flow from the tank into the bowl. Once the water has drained, the flapper slowly lowers back down over the flush valve to close off the flow of water into the bowl.
Over time, a flapper valve can become stiff and brittle, which can cause it to no longer provide a good seal against the mouth of the flush valve. This can result in a constant flow of water into the bowl, causing your toilet to run and wasting water.
If you notice any cracks or damage to your flapper valve, it’s time to replace it. The process is relatively easy and involves turning off the water supply, flushing the toilet to drain all of the remaining water from the tank, removing the old flapper valve, buying a new one, installing it, and adjusting the chain length.
It’s important to ensure that you buy a new flapper valve that is the same size and type as your old one. Most hardware store staff will be able to help you with this if you bring your old flapper valve with you.
Once you’ve installed your new flapper valve, be sure to adjust the chain length so that it’s just right. If it’s too long or too short, it can prevent a good seal when closed or prevent enough water from flowing into the bowl for a full flush.
Testing your toilet after replacing the flapper valve is essential to ensure that everything is working properly. The water level in your tank should stop just below the top of the overflow tube. If it doesn’t, adjust your fill valve until it does.
Tools Needed For The Job
To replace a running toilet flapper, you’ll need a few tools:
1. Adjustable wrench – to unscrew the lock nut at the base of the fill valve
2. Bucket or container – to catch any water remaining in the tank
3. New flapper valve – make sure it’s the same size and type as your old one
4. Sponge or towel – to remove any remaining water in the tank
5. Pliers – to adjust the chain length if needed
Optional:
6. Replacement fill valve – if your fill valve is also causing issues, you may need to replace it as well. Make sure to purchase the correct size and type for your toilet.
7. Flapper replacement kit – some kits come with all the necessary tools and parts for a quick and easy replacement.
Step-by-Step Guide To Replacing The Flapper Valve
Step 1: Turn off the water supply
Before you start working on your toilet, you’ll need to turn off the water supply. Locate the shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply.
Step 2: Remove the tank lid
Lift the tank lid off the tank and set it aside.
Step 3: Remove the old flapper valve
To remove the old flapper valve, first, turn off the water supply. Then, flush the toilet to drain all of the remaining water from the tank. The flapper valve will have a chain that attaches to the flush lever inside your tank, which you can unclip. Different flappers mount into the tank in different ways, but you should be able to wiggle, bend, and otherwise remove the flapper from the base of the tank.
Step 4: Buy a new flapper valve
Your new flapper valve will need to be the same size and type as your old one. The easiest way to ensure you’re buying the right flapper valve is to take your old one to the hardware store with you so you can compare models. Most hardware store staff will also be able to help you.
Step 5: Install the new flapper valve
The exact installation method you’ll use will depend on the type of flapper valve you have, so refer to the directions that come with your new one. In general, though, you’ll need to attach it to the base of your toilet tank and reattach the chain to your flush lever.
Step 6: Adjust the chain length
The chain length needs to be just right. If it’s too long, it may prevent the flapper valve from closing fully and prevent a good seal when closed. If it’s too short, it may not allow enough water into the bowl for a full flush. Adjust the chain so there’s about 1/2-inch of slack when your flush lever is in its normal position.
Step 7: Test your toilet
Flush your toilet a few times to make sure everything is working properly. The water level in your tank should stop just below the top of the overflow tube. If it doesn’t, adjust your fill valve until it does.
Replacing a flapper valve can be a simple DIY task that can save you money on water bills and prevent damage to your home. By following these steps, you can easily replace your old flapper valve with a new one and stop a running toilet. Remember to always turn off the water supply before making any repairs or replacements in your toilet tank.
Testing And Adjusting The Flapper Valve
After installing a new flapper valve or adjusting the chain length, you’ll want to test and adjust the flapper valve to ensure that it’s working properly. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Check the tension on the flapper chain
Open the tank and test the tension on the flapper chain by pulling up on the center. You shouldn’t be able to pull it up more than about 1/2 inch before the flapper starts to rise. Alternatively, push down on the flush handle to test the tension. The flapper should start to rise before the handle is halfway down.
2. Adjust the chain length
If you find that the chain is too loose or too tight, you’ll need to adjust its length. To do this, turn off the water supply and remove the tank lid. Adjust the length of the chain by moving the clip to a different chain link. Be sure there are no kinks in the chain, squeeze the clip closed and cut off any excess chain.
3. Check the water level
Check the water level in your tank after adjusting your flapper valve. The water level should be just below the top of the overflow tube. If it’s not, adjust your fill valve until it is.
4. Test your toilet
Flush your toilet a few times to make sure everything is working properly. The flapper valve should lift easily and completely when you flush, allowing water to flow freely into the bowl. If you notice any issues, such as a weak flush or incomplete seal, you may need to make further adjustments or consider replacing your flapper valve altogether.
By following these steps, you can effectively test and adjust your flapper valve to stop a running toilet and ensure that your toilet is working properly. Remember to always turn off your water supply before working on your toilet and consult a professional if you’re unsure about any steps in the process.
Additional Tips For Maintaining Your Toilet’s Flapper Valve
In addition to replacing a damaged flapper valve, there are some steps you can take to maintain your toilet’s flapper valve and prevent it from running in the first place.
First, make sure that the chain connecting the flapper valve to the flush lever is properly adjusted. If it’s too loose or too tight, it can cause the flapper valve to not seal properly, leading to water waste.
Secondly, check for any debris or buildup around the flapper valve and clean it if necessary. This debris can prevent the flapper valve from sealing properly and cause your toilet to run.
Lastly, consider using a flapper valve with adjustable settings, such as Fluidmaster’s 502 PerforMAX Water-Saving, Adjustable Flapper. This type of flapper valve allows you to customize your flush by adjusting the amount of water used per flush.
By following these additional tips, you can help maintain your toilet’s flapper valve and prevent it from running, ultimately saving water and money on your water bill.