Running Toilet?

Sort of like with a dripping faucet, the mysteries of a running toilet can drive you insane! Whether you hear water running constantly or cycling on and off, Pro N Stall can help you decipher the clues so that you can stop most leaks. Hardware stores and home centers carry the parts for almost every repair.

One common cause of a constant running toilet is that the flapper doesn't seal. If water from the tank seeps around the flapper and into the bowl, the flapper is probably worn out.

How do you test for a leaky flapper? Push down on the flapper with a stick when you hear the water running and listen for it to stop. If it stops, you know the flapper isn’t sealing properly which means it's time to replace it!

To replace the flapper, first shut off the water supply valve under the toilet then flush the toilet to drain out most of the water, and unhook the old flapper. Buy a new flapper of the same type and install it according to the instructions on the package. Hook the flapper chain onto the flush lever arm so there’s a little slack when the flapper is closed.

If the flapper doesn’t leak and the water still runs, inspect the fill tube connected to the overflow pipe. The end should be above the water line. If the end is under water, cut it back. Next, inspect the fill valve for visible signs of wear and test the float. If the float is improperly adjusted, the tank water level can rise above the overflow pipe and drain into it. Replace the old fill valve if it doesn’t completely shut off or it hampers the float-arm operation.

Occasionally, toilets run for more complex reasons. If you’ve replaced the flapper, float apparatus and fill tube, you may have sediment that’s affecting proper flushing and filling. Higher water bills could also indicate a silent leak. To detect a silent leak in your toilet, add a few drops of food coloring to the upper tank and wait 15 to 20 minutes. Look in the bowl for any hint of color; if you see tinted water, your flapper valve isn’t working as it should.

If you still can't figure it out, call the professionals at Pro N Stall. Every Pro N Stall technician is licensed, insured, and adept in providing service on the following:

• Water Heaters: Electric, Gas, Tankless (Repair, Service, Sales, and Installation)
• Plumbing (Small or Large Jobs)
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
• Appliance Installation (Dishwashers, Ranges, Cooktops, Microhoods, Wall Ovens , Garbage Disposers, Washers, Dryers, and more)
• Emergency Service

Give us a call at 615-471-1122 to schedule an appointment today! Be sure to LIKE us on Facebook!