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Article 7-6-2010

Toilet Running? Diagnose it Here

A running toilet is more than just a minor annoyance—it's also an expense. Caused by a leaky valve, the running means that extra water is constantly being cycled through the toilet, resulting in hefty water bills. But this home repair is easy and inexpensive to make, usually requiring no more than a quick trip to the hardware store and a $5.00 part.

What Causes a Running Toilet?

A toilet tank contains a reservoir of water that cycles into the toilet bowl whenever the toilet is flushed. To maintain the proper level of water, the tank has a float and lever system to regulate flow. With each flush, a valve at the bottom of the tank opens up, releasing water into the toilet bowl. The tank begins to refill, and when the float reaches the right level, water stops flowing into the tank. The valve's rubber cover, called a flapper, can degrade or warp over time. Eventually the flapper no longer seals the valve tightly, and water can leak through into the bowl. Once this seal is compromised, water never stops flowing from the tank to the bowl, nor does it stop flowing into the tank. That constant flow creates the familiar running noise, along with the increased water bills.

How to Fix It

Repairing a running toilet is a simple procedure. Begin by turning off the water to the toilet: find the water shut-off handle, usually located near the toilet's base, and turn it to stop water flow. Next, remove the old flapper valve. Take this with you to the hardware store, to ensure that you buy the right replacement part. The new flapper valve should be relatively inexpensive and take less than ten minutes to install. Turn the water back on, and give the toilet a flush to test it out. Monitor both the toilet and the water bill, to make sure there are no other hidden problems. If the running persists, it’s probably time to contact a professional plumber. Do-it-yourself home repair is both rewarding and cost effective, especially for easy projects like repairing a running toilet. Skip the expensive plumbing visit and repair it yourself.

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