If you have a running toilet, you can initiate DIY and resolve plumbing issues. This four-step strategy addresses around 90% of seat flush complications and dripping issues. The budget can be controlled by indulging in DIY, and other toilet-related problems can also be settled. For DIY related projects, the following tools will be required:
- Pliers
- Cutting pliers
- Rubber gloves.
In addition to that, you can also make this experience by adding safety tools and accessories.
For DIY projects, you would be required to bring your tools, set of equipment, and materials. In addition, a replacement fill valve and toilet flappers are mandatory to get the job done.
The mechanism of a toilet flush
The primary mechanism and function of the toilet have remained the same since initial times. After using the bathroom, surplus water fills the water tank that lifts the float preventing the water from reaching a particular level. This is operated through a flapper, which is opened with the help of a lever causing the flow of water during flush and returning as the water level plunges.
Because of this, the flush is too weak, resulting in leaks. In addition, sometimes the tank does not fill up with water adequately, which causes another set of problems.
How to Stop a Toilet From Running?
To stop a toilet from running, you will need to replace the flapper if it is leaking or flush the valve. In rare cases, you will need to repair Bent Lift Arm in a Toilet. See the video on how to stop the toilet from running:
How to Check the fill tube?
If you face an overflow tube problem in your seat, you need to take out the tank lid and look for a fill tube. The fill tube is a small and flexible tube that originates from the fill valve and goes all the way to the toilet overflow tube. During the tank refill procedure, the flexible tube pushes water to the toilet overflow tube to refill the toilet bowl once it has been flushed. However, if, for some reason, the tube fails to perform its mission or the water stream does not enter the overflow tube, the bowl would not be filled with a standard supply of water for the next flush. This would result in a soft flush as there would be less noticeable pressure. Therefore, you need to re-attach the fill tube and reinforce it directly to the fill valve to address this issue. The tube should be secured to about 1 inch slightly above the rim of the overflow tube. Water stream will enter the toilet overflow tube enabling the flush to perform efficiently.
Check the float and modify the fill height settings.
An adjustable float determines the level of water in the tank. The float position, if low, leads to a feeble and ineffective flush. Similarly, if it is located higher, the water stream will spill and enter the toilet overflow tube keeping the fill valve open, leading to a running toilet. To address this issue, you need to check the fill level hint present on the back of the tank. It can be marked to identify the toilet overflow tube quickly. If you fail to find it, you can manually measure it and keep it about 1 inch on the overflow tube. After setting the standard manually, check if the water touches the mark after flushing the toilet. If it is still not flushing correctly and there is a noticeable leak, you need to work on the toilet tank and adjust it further. For old and worn toilets, brass rods are directly connected to the float ball to make the amendments easier and quicker. With newer plumbing technology and innovative toilet seats, a rod can be adjusted with the help of a screw and clip. Check if the toilet bowl is running correctly on flushing after adjustments and keep screwing or sliding the clip until there is no more leak. The watermark should be an inch below the critical common area and highlighted on the fill valve. The required level can be tuned to a different height that can be moved according to the necessary standard. If the fill valve does not shut off, it is probably defective and needs to be replaced. For that, make sure that the water supply is turned off and replaced with a replacement valve.
Work on the flush handle or flapper chain
A chain present inside the toilet can also serve as an obstacle in the effective flushing of the toilet. If the chain is short or not organized adequately within the tank, then there is likely to leak water or more. A long or mixed-up chain within the tanks will produce more water leaks. The reason is that the fill valve uses full force to refill the tank. Similarly, a long chain or a flush rod that is constantly touching the tank will prevent the proper opening of the flapper, resulting in a good flow of flush. To clear this issue, you need to adjust the chain and its linkage so that external pressure is not applied to the flapper. You can take out the extra chain and make sure that the chain is only about an inch more in size to reduce the possibility of tangles. In addition, the flush rod should not touch the lid upon pressing the lever. Even after adjusting the chain, if the toilet bowl still keeps on leaking, try changing it and look for expected tangles or cut the length of the chain.
Replace flapper if it is leaking
Even after constant readjustments, assessing the float, and checking the entire tube, if the toilet bowl is still leaking, you need to change your flapper. If all the above options have failed, then there is a high probability that the flapper has been expired, and it is time to purchase a brand-new one for effective flushing. You can have a close replica at hardware stores. However, you may find difficulty finding the reproduction of that flapper. This is a determinant of the toilet seat model and brand updated constantly. Certain flappers are also universal and fit easily by acting as the best match for their flapper. After installing the new flapper, it should open and close properly. It would help if you had an excellent flapper with a non-wimpy flush. The last option would be to replace the entire toilet seat or the overflow tube.
Common house plumbing problems
Clogged drains and toilets
Investigate the drain pipes and look for clogged drains that have been blocked from any debris. This is indicated when water is backed, and the level increases often. For example, a clogged toilet bowl raises water level after regular flushing, which tends to overflow in some situations. First, however, you need to identify the leading cause of the problem, which is usually partially or wholly blocked drain. For sinks and showers, hair is the main issue of blocked drains. You can clear this issue by using simple DIY plumping tools or even available at hardware stores. The plunger is specifically created to help remove the clogged hair debris, wholly done with the help of suction. Moreover, you can also use bleach and pour it down the toilet bowl to clear any blockage, which creates obstacles for regular flushing.
Leaking pipes
Another plumbing problem is leaking in seats and pipes. Be it washroom sinks or kitchen taps, dripping water is always annoying, resulting in water leakage adding up to your utility bills. According to a recent analysis, leaking faucets will accumulate more than 3000 gallons of water per year if it is dripping per second. However, if not addressed urgently, this issue can result in structural damage. You need to call the plumber or perform DIY to check if the seals of the tap are still intact or damaged. The seal may tear, dislodge or stiffen that no longer holds the tap tightly in its original position. Also, make sure to check the joint location of the pipes and the valve seat. Other sink-related leaks may be observed due to shifting, intense water pressure, and corrosion.
From 2022 onwards, Mark has also been contributing author of home repair articles at nimblefreelancer.com.
Read more on Mark Brown's biography page.
Contact Mark: mark@nimblefreelancer.com
