Fix a Toilet That Keeps Running

This video shares several methods for fixing a toilet that keeps running. Your toilet tank has a fill valve, flush valve, and flapper. And it's these parts that ultimately lead to the toilet running. My $116 water bill could have been prevented by simply replacing the $5 flapper.

The second way a leak occurs is when the flapper chain gets stuck between the flapper and flush valve. If you encounter this just trim the chain so that it doesn't drape below the flapper. Problem solved.

Sometimes the water in the tank is too high. If this is the case it will run over the overflow pipe and cause the tank to refill. You need to lower the tank's water level to about 1 inch below the overflow pipe. Watch the video for a more in depth explanation.

A toilet that keeps running is annoying, not to mention expensive. I'm sharing my tips so that you don't suffer from a $116 water bill like me. Hopefully these tips help you with your project.

#runningtoilets #DIYtoiletrepair #fixarunningtoilet

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0:00 Fix a Running Toilet
0:34 Tools Needed
0:52 Culprit #1 Flapper
1:19 Culprit #2 Flapper Chain
2:01 Culprit #3 Water Level Too High
3:10 Adjusting With a Float Ball
4:07 Adjusting With a Diaphragm Fill Valve
5:11 Culprit #4 Bad Fill Valve

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Disclaimer:
Videos produced by Home Repair Tutor are provided for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. Home Repair Tutor does not make any claims of the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources listed on this site and will not take responsibility of what you do with the information provided by this site. Viewers must be aware by doing DIY projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Home Repair Tutor cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. Home Repair Tutor cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project.

[simplypampered]

Thank you for this! My dad used to be the handyman of the house, but since he passed I've had to turn to youtube to figure these things out for me and my mom and you've really helped us!

[ashley]

I JUST FIXED MY TOILET ALL BY MYSELF AND I'VE NEVER FELT SO Thank you, friend.

[nkennett]

thanks so much. i had to tighten the screw as well. i didnt let my wife know i watched this so i look like a real man now. lol

[vulgaritar]

This video is almost seven years old now but it's still saving people time and money. God bless you and the good work you do, sir. Cheers!

[erikamyette]

You’re my new hero!!! I was just about to purchase replacement parts when I decided to triple-check that I was buying the right things- and thanks to your list of 3 reasons my tank might be running, I fixed the problem in less than 3 minutes (including grabbing the screwdriver) for FREE. Float is lowered, water level is lowered, toilet is great. Thanks!!!

[brittahubbard]

Thank you for explaining all Three ways that could be the problem. Every other video I found only spoke of the flush valve, but it was our fill valve that was bad. Adjust the float didn't work, but your video put us on the right track to investigate further. My 14 year old son and I watched your video, discussed what we thought was wrong, investigated, discovered it was the valve and not just the float, watched more videos, bought parts, and fixed it today! It was a good project for us to do together. Thank you.

[neldawallace]

I know this video was done 6years ago. But a quick counter clockwise turn of the screw and my toilet was fixed. Thank you so much

[cinqchick]

Thank you so much for this! I was being driven loopy by the running water had now I’ve fixed it by myself. I feel very proud - I now feel empowered to try other fixes at home 😁

[MegOfBroccoli]

The only toilet repair video I've ever understood. You laid out the tools, you described what everything does, and you explained WHY water is running. For most videos, you practically already need to be a union plumber to understand everything. Thanks!

[marilyngardner]

Wow you just helped me stop a running toilet that has been running for a few years now. I got tired of cleaning the rust stains and decided to fix it myself. Thanks so much❣

[JasonWindsor]

I watched many vids & tried several methods to fix my intermittently leaking toilet... thanks to this video for pointing out the (now obvious) fact that the water needs to below the overfill drain pipe. Easy fix, thanks!

[nakiajm]

It's 3:18am & finally quite in my room, now I shall sleep thanks to this video! Thank

[mattheweburns]

Thank you for admitting that there are more than one reason why a toilet will run! You finally answered my question. Thank you.

[EM-fghm]

You were the only video I found that showed a demo with an old floater...which is helpful because my toilet is from the 60's man! Just came back from fixing the leak and finally a nice quiet toilet ! Thanks a lot! one less thing to do on my 'To Do' list!

[rahulargula]

This was such a well made tutorial. The flapper was the problem and it was exactly what you mentioned - the flapper rim was bent/developed an indentation. This saved me a ton of money and time. The leak from my toilet flush is finally fixed.Thanks a lot!

[NRB]

Thank you so much! I’m in a college apartment and nobody has come to fix the SUPER ANNOYING running toilet for a little over a week. I decided to look this up, tried the 3rd step (the easiest one lol) and now it’s fixed! I swear I’ll still hear a constant ringing noise for a little while though.. but anyways, thanks for your help. You just saved my roommate and my sanity 😂

[phillavallie]

Clear and efficient teaching: I proceed with confidence! Thank you.

[trinityloyd]

Thanks so much for your help. Single gal & new homeowner and your videos have been a huge help in learning how to take care of things myself!

[Smiliefacek]

I love being in touch with a toilet expert! Thank you so much!

[zodski]

Great video that explains every possible problem that you might have. Then thoroughly explains in detail on how to fix - in under 7 minutes - kudos to you sir.