Running toilet
easy 15–45 min
Tools: sponge, bucket, scissors · Materials: universal flapper, fill valve kit (if the float is the problem)
Steps
- Lift the tank lid and watch one flush: if water keeps flowing into the bowl, the flapper is leaking; if water spills into the overflow tube, the float is set too high.
- For a high float: turn the adjustment screw or slide the float clip down so the water line sits about 2.5 cm (1 inch) below the top of the overflow tube.
- For a leaking flapper: shut the supply valve, flush to empty the tank, unhook the old flapper and chain, and fit a universal flapper on the same pegs.
- Set the chain with about 1 cm of slack — too tight holds the flapper open, too loose stops the flush.
- Open the supply, let the tank fill, and put a few drops of food colouring in the tank; if colour shows in the bowl after 20 minutes without flushing, the seal still leaks.
Stop and call a pro if
- the fill valve keeps running after a new flapper and float adjustment
- water is leaking onto the floor from the tank bolts or the base
- the tank is cracked
What a pro does that you can't
A plumber replaces a worn flush valve seat or the whole tank internals in one visit and checks the supply line and shut-off valve, which often fail at the same age.
DIY cost: $8–25 for a flapper or fill valve