When you walk into your bathroom there should be nothing but silence. Hearing a constant running noise means that there’s something that needs to be fixed — otherwise, you’ll be paying a rather larger water bill next month. When the running noise is coming from your toilet, here are the causes and how to fix them.
Off the Chain
The toilet flush lever and the rubber flapper are connected via a chain. The length of this chain shouldn’t be too long or too short, so check it by jiggling the lever. If there is constant pull with no slack or if there is too much slack, move the chain’s clip accordingly to lengthen or shorten it. In the event where a chain does not have a clip, replace the chain altogether.
Faded Flapper
The rubber flapper in your toilet’s tank is a piece that stops the water from draining out of the tank until the lever is pressed. Remove the flapper from the toilet and check to see if it is discolored, warped, cracked, or is caked with mineral deposits. If your flapper has any of these characteristics, water is more likely to slowly drain from the tank. Replace your old flapper with a new one immediately.
Float Level
After a toilet is flushed, the tank should fill with water until the water level is just below the top of the overflow pipe. When the water level rises higher than this, your float piece will need to be adjusted to a lower position. First, try bending the arm of the float to allow it to rest at a lower position. If the arm won’t bend, you might have to replace the flapper or call in a professional plumber.
Hearing your toilet constantly running doesn’t seem like a big deal, but just wait until you get your upcoming water bill. When you need a professional plumber for your home’s repairs, contact Tri-City Appliance, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (203) 303-5700.