Shopping checklist
Fix a running toilet
30 min · Easy · 8 steps
Materials
| Done | Item | Quantity | SKU | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal toilet flapperBring the old one to match: 2 in or 3 in | 1 | Ask | ||
| Fill valve kitOnly if the fill valve keeps running | 1 | Ask | ||
| Braided toilet supply lineUse a new line whenever you disconnect the old one | 1 | Ask | ||
| Angle stop, 1/2 x 3/8 in compressionOnly if your old shutoff drips or won't close | 1 | 052151060037 | $10.39 |
Tools
- Sponge and towels
- Small bucket
- Adjustable wrench
- Non-scratch scrub pad
- Food coloring
Before you start
- Shut off the water at the valve under the tank before removing any part of the fill valve or supply line.
- Set the tank lid somewhere flat and padded. Porcelain cracks, and broken edges are sharp.
- Plastic nuts crack when overtightened. Go hand-tight plus a quarter turn; a cracked nut can flood a bathroom later.
- Wear gloves and wash up afterward. Tank water is cleaner than the bowl, but not clean.
Prices are current as of printing and may change. Bring this list to the counter, or call (928) 669-9254. If we don't have it, we can order it.
Fix a running toilet
Find out why water keeps flowing, then adjust the chain, set the water level, or replace the flapper or fill valve. No special tools needed.
- Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Category
- Plumbing
- Steps
- 8
Before you start
- Shut off the water at the valve under the tank before removing any part of the fill valve or supply line.
- Set the tank lid somewhere flat and padded. Porcelain cracks, and broken edges are sharp.
- Plastic nuts crack when overtightened. Go hand-tight plus a quarter turn; a cracked nut can flood a bathroom later.
- Wear gloves and wash up afterward. Tank water is cleaner than the bowl, but not clean.
Step by step
- 1
Find the leak
Lift the tank lid and set it on a towel; it's heavy and breaks easily. If water is spilling into the tall overflow tube, the fill valve is the problem. If not, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait 15 minutes without flushing. Color in the bowl means the flapper is leaking.
- 2
Check the chain
The chain from the handle to the flapper should have about 1/2 inch of slack when the flapper is closed. Too tight holds the flapper open; too loose can get caught underneath it. Move the clip one link at a time.
- 3
Set the water level
The water should stop about 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube, or at the line marked inside the tank. Lower it by turning the adjustment screw on top of the fill valve or sliding the clip on the float down. Flush and watch it refill.
- 4
Shut off the water and drain the tank
If the flapper or fill valve needs replacing, turn the shutoff valve under the tank clockwise until it stops. Flush and hold the handle down to drain the tank, then sponge out what's left.
- 5
Replace the flapper
Unhook the old flapper from the pegs on the overflow tube and take it to the store to match the size (most are 2 or 3 inch). Gently wipe the flush valve seat clean with a non-scratch pad. Hook on the new flapper and attach the chain with a little slack.
- 6
Replace the fill valve if it still runs
Put a towel and bucket under the tank and unscrew the supply line from the bottom. Unscrew the locknut under the tank and lift out the old valve. Set the new valve's height so its critical-level mark sits at least 1 inch above the overflow tube, tighten the locknut hand-tight plus a quarter turn, and clip the refill tube to the overflow tube. Reconnect the supply line to the new valve, using a new braided line if the old one is kinked or corroded.
- 7
Turn the water back on and check for drips
Open the shutoff slowly. Check the supply connection and the locknut for drips with a dry paper towel. Let the tank fill and fine-tune the water level.
- 8
Test it
Flush several times and watch a full cycle. Repeat the food-coloring test after an hour to make sure the bowl stays clear.
Pro tip
Hard water and desert heat are tough on flappers. If yours is stiff, warped, or leaves black residue on your fingers, replace it even if the chain was the problem. It's the cheapest fix in the tank.