A toilet that constantly runs can cause many problems. For starters, it can cause your water bill to skyrocket due to the excess water usage.

And while jiggling the handle might help, it’s not a long term solution for a running toilet.

Anatomy of a Toilet

To fix a running toilet, you first have to understand the parts of your toilet. Here is a rundown of the parts of a toilet and how to diagnose the issue:

  • Flapper: A rubber stopper that allows water to flow through into the bowl to flush. This is connected to the fill valve.
  • Fill Valve: The fill valve is responsible for filling water in the tank after each flush.
  • Float: The buoyant part regulates the water level in the tank. It floats up as the valve fills the tank with water and stops once it reaches a certain point.
  • Tank Lever: The push lever or button you use to flush the toilet.

Why Is My Toilet Running?

There are a few reasons why your toilet keeps running and thankfully most repairs are inexpensive and relatively simple. Here are some common causes of a leaky toilet and how to fix:

  • The flapper needs replacement. The flapper is usually the culprit when it comes to a running toilet. Push down on the flapper to see if that stops the water. If it does, the flapper needs to be replaced. Additionally, the chain attached to the flapper can become loose or damaged over time.
  • The refill valve keeps running. Sometimes the refill tube is too long or isn’t positioned correctly over the overflow tube. Lift up on the float to see if that stops the water from running. If that doesn’t work, check the float itself.
  • The float isn’t positioned correctly. Sometimes the float is positioned too high which causes the tank to continuously fill while water leaves via the overflow tube. Make sure the positioning of the float (ball or cup) is in line with the water level in the tank.
  • The tank lever is broken. Take the lid off of the tank to inspect the lever. Make sure it’s not stuck in the open position or detached from the lift rod. Replace if worn or damaged.

Toilet Repair in Port St. Lucie

Don’t ignore that running toilet! Keep in mind that professional toilet repair is just a call away. The prompt and professional experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Port St. Lucie provides service every day of the year-day or night.

Schedule a service today with the Port St. Lucie plumbing team!