Running Toilet? DIY Repair in 60 Seconds GUARANTEED!, by Is It Worth It on YouTube. 10 min 51 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 51 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Turn the shutoff valve behind the toilet clockwise until the water stops. Flush once to empty the tank, then sponge out the remaining water.
Lift the tank lid off and set it somewhere safe. Look inside for the water level and watch what happens after a flush.
Check the water level against the fill line marked on the overflow tube. If it sits above the line, adjust the float or fill valve so it stops lower.
Press down lightly on the flapper with your finger. If the running stops, the flapper is worn or warped and needs replacing.
Unhook the old flapper from the overflow tube and the chain. Take it to the store to match the size, then clip the new one on and set the chain with a little slack.
Inspect the overflow tube and the seal at the bottom of the tank for cracks or grit. Wipe the valve seat clean so the flapper can seal flat.
If the fill valve keeps running after the tank is full, replace it. Shut off the water, empty the tank, unscrew the supply line and the old valve, then fit the new valve.
Set the new fill valve height so the critical level mark sits above the overflow tube. Turn the water back on and adjust the float until the tank fills to the line.
Flush a few times and watch the tank refill. Check that the water stops completely and that no water trickles into the bowl.
Tips and common mistakes
Put a few drops of food dye in the tank and wait 15 minutes. Colour in the bowl means the flapper is leaking.
Shut off the water before any repair and keep a towel and bucket handy, since the tank and supply line will drip.
Clean the flapper seat with a little dish soap and a cloth. Grit and mineral build-up cause many slow leaks.
Check the chain length. A chain that is too short holds the flapper open and makes the toilet run constantly.
Questions
How do I know if it is the flapper or the fill valve?
If the tank refills on its own when nobody flushes, the flapper is usually leaking. If water keeps running after the tank is full, the fill valve is the likely cause.
Can I replace a fill valve without tools?
Some fill valves twist off by hand, but you still need to disconnect the supply line. Have an adjustable wrench ready in case the nut is tight.
How much water does a running toilet waste?
A steady leak can waste hundreds of gallons a day. Fixing it quickly saves water and lowers your bill.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
