How To Fix a Running Toilet

If you see that the ball or flapper is not completely covering the valve, investigate what’s prohibiting it from doing so. The chain or rod that pulls it open might be twisted, bent, or caught on something. Or the flapper or ball itself might be damaged or corroded, keeping it from making a solid seal; you’ll need to replace it.

If the valve is completely covered but the water continues running, you need to lower the float. The float is the piece that moves up and down with the water level in the tank. The float will be either a closed cup that encircles a tall tube or a rubber ball at the end of a long metal arm. Find your float.

Lower the float. If you have a float cup, squeeze the metal clip attached to it and slide the clip down so it’s below the water level. If you have a ball float, either tighten the screw at the end of the arm opposite the ball, or bend the arm downward.

Flush the toilet to test the new water level. If it still rises above the overflow pipe, lower the float some more. If the water gets too low for an adequate flush, just raise the float until you get it just right.

Before replacing damaged parts, shut off the water to your toilet by locating the valve in the wall behind it & turning it clockwise. Flush the toilet & remove the part; then take it with you to the store to ensure you buy an exact match. The sound of running water is now a thing of the past — and you’ll have the lower water bill to prove it!