There’s something unsettling about hearing the continuous sound of water running from your toilet cistern long after you’ve flushed. Not only is it annoying, but it can also lead to wastefully high water bills. If you find yourself jiggling the handle or removing the tank lid to give the internal mechanisms a prod, then it’s time to address the issue properly.
Toilet cisterns that won’t stop running are a common complaint and usually indicate a problem with the internal mechanisms that regulate water flow. Before you call a plumber, there are several things you can check and potentially fix yourself. Let’s dive into what might be causing your toilet to run continuously, how to diagnose, fix the issue, and when it might be time to call in the professionals.
Understanding Why Your Toilet Cistern Keeps Running
A constantly running toilet can usually be attributed to issues with one of the following components: the flapper valve, the fill valve, or the float. The flapper valve is responsible for releasing water from the tank into the bowl when you flush and sealing the water inlet when not in use. The fill valve controls the water supply to the cistern, refilling it after a flush. The float device ensures the tank doesn’t overfill, rising with the water level and shutting off the fill valve when it reaches a set height.
Identifying the Culprit
To begin diagnosing your running toilet, listen to where the noise is coming from. If it seems to be emanating from the tank itself, it’s likely an issue with the flapper or the fill valve. An issue with the flapper often results in the sound of water continuously flowing into the toilet bowl. If the water appears to be running from the supply line on the outside, then the problem could be related to the fill valve or the float.
Test the Flapper
A common cause of leaks between the toilet tank and bowl is an old or worn-out flapper. To test if this is the case:
1. Put a few drops of food colouring in the tank.
2. Wait about 20 minutes without flushing.
3. Check the toilet bowl; if the water has changed colour, the flapper isn’t sealing correctly.
Replacing a faulty flapper is straightforward and inexpensive. Flappers come in different sizes and materials, so it’s crucial to bring the old one to the store to ensure you get the right replacement.
Adjust or Replace the Fill Valve
If the flapper isn't the issue, inspect the fill valve. A malfunctioning fill valve can cause the tank to overfill, leading water to spill into the overflow tube and continuously run. To adjust the fill valve:
1. Turn off the water supply to your toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank.
3. Check if the fill valve's height needs adjusting according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If adjusting doesn’t help, replacing the fill valve might be necessary. Like with the flapper, ensure you purchase a compatible fill valve for your toilet model.
Check the Float
Improperly adjusted or damaged floats can cause the fill valve to leave the water running. If your toilet uses a ball float, you might need to bend the arm connecting it to the fill valve slightly to correct the water level. For newer models with a cup-style float, slide the float along the central tube to adjust it.
When to Call a Professional
While many toilet repairs are manageable DIY projects, sometimes the issues are more complex, especially if they involve the internal plumbing rather than the parts easily accessed within the tank. If your toilet is older or if you’ve replaced the parts discussed and the problem persists, it might be time to call a professional. Trained plumbers can diagnose less obvious issues like hidden leaks or damage to the toilet base.
Prevent Future Issues
Regular maintenance is key to preventing toilet cistern issues from cropping up again. Keep an eye on the condition of the flapper, fill valve, and float, and replace them every few years. Also, avoid using chemical cleaners that can corrode these parts over time.
Conclusion
Dealing with a running toilet is not just a matter of annoyance or wasted water; it’s also about nipping a potentially major plumbing issue in the bud. By understanding what causes your toilet to continue running, learning to diagnose the problem, and knowing how to fix it or when to call a professional, you’re well on your way to ensuring that your bathroom remains a comfort, not a concern. Start by checking that flapper; you might just find the solution is simpler than you think!
