How to Fix a Running Toilet: The Flapper
Running toilets are a common household nuisance. They waste a lot of water, and the sound of the water cycling through begins to sound like a constant stream of money as expensive water slips away.
But fear not, fixing a running toilet is easier than you think.
In this post, we’re going to cover a few of the main culprits of a running toilet that you can quickly fix on your own.
Is the Toilet Flapper Sealing Properly
The function of the flapper is to seal out water so it remains in the tank doesn’t leak into the toilet bowl.
To test if the flapper is working correctly, push down on it. If you hear the water stop running, then the flapper is not forming a tight seal to prevent water from flowing from the tank to the bowl.
Or, if the rubber has a crack in it, that could also be allowing water to seep out.
How to Replace the Toilet Flapper
Fortunately, toilet flappers are cheap and easy to replace.
- First, turn off the water to the toilet by shutting off the valve behind leading to it.
- Flush the toilet to drain water from the tank.
- Now unhook the chain that is connected at the top to the flush lever arm. Then simply slide the flapper off of the base of the fill valve.
- Go to any hardware store and buy the same flapper you had before (take the old flapper with you to make sure you get the same size).
- Reconnect the sides of the flapper to the base of the fill valve. Reconnect the chain to the flush lever arm.
- Turn the water back on and fill the tank to test it out. You may need to tighten or loosen the amount of slack in the chain to ensure it seals and flushes properly.
Got a tricky plumbing problem? Contact the experts at Agentis. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to help.
