Forum
« Is my hot water heater dying? Emergency Asbestos Removal »
February 5, 2009
Running Toilet Tank
Is there a simple way for me to correct the constant sound of a running water tank?
Comments
Usually either the rod that connects to the chain is getting hung up and just needs to be bent so that it doesn't or the large rubber stopper at the bottom of the chain has deteriorated and needs to be replaced. You need to take the tank cover off and inspect. But it sounds like, in your case, this is a job for a professional.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 9:41 AM
Without more information, it sounds to me like the 'flapper' is not seating properly. Change it. At the cost of water and sewer in this city these days, you do not want any leaking water!!
Posted by: SenatorStreet at February 5, 2009 9:42 AM
Sometimes the flapper doesn't need to be replaced so quickly. A little vaseline around the edge of the flapper where it covers the outlet can create a better seal like a gasket.
Posted by: JimHill at February 5, 2009 9:47 AM
I agree that it sounds like the flapper. I will also add (from sad experience with a tenant who said nothing), the resulting water bill from a constantly running toilet will be massive if you do not fix immediately. A flapper is a $5 item (if that).
There's lots of these kinds of links on the web if this one is not sufficient for you: http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-repair-a-toilet3.htm
Posted by: vinca at February 5, 2009 9:57 AM
A simple flapper change should be your first experiment! I know from experience. At the time i could only find what seemed to be a cheap and flimsy flapper but the second it was installed, no more running tank.
Posted by: MAT at February 5, 2009 10:07 AM
"But it sounds like, in your case, this is a job for a professional."
Replacing the flapper takes 20 seconds and requires no tools. dibs, is that a sneakily snarky statment?
Posted by: cmu at February 5, 2009 10:21 AM
If it's a cheap toilet, then the innerds are cheap also and sometimes it pays to replace the who set up, which is not expensive. And I agree, it doesn't take a professional. You can search Google and find some links for step by step help.
Posted by: Iknow at February 5, 2009 12:21 PM
but what if it isn't the flapper? we are having the same problem and we have already replaced the flapper and it didn't do the trick. it seems like the water is slowly leaking somewhere and then the toilet refills the tank but there is no water coming out of the actual toilet... i am puzzled. this is the project on tap for this weekend and i would love to hear if anyone has any solutions!
Posted by: sarahpgee at February 5, 2009 4:49 PM
I changed a flapper recently, and it's very easy. It's just the little black or red rubber ball-shaped thing. I think I paid $5 for it. You may need a pair of needle-nose pliers to twist/break the current flapper off, if it's made of hard plastic (stupid design!). If the new flapper doesn't block the leak, try the vaseline to better line the hole. It may help to put some food coloring near the hole to see where it's leaking through the hole.
Posted by: meerkatz at February 5, 2009 7:32 PM
Thanks everyone! I'm going to attempt correcting the problem with all the information you sent.
Posted by: Giovanna at February 5, 2009 7:37 PM
I can fix it.
Check out my website:
thetinkerswagon.com.
I will be in your area on Saturday, possibly Sunday.
Steve
Posted by: thetinkerswagon at February 6, 2009 3:36 PM
"Is there a simple way for me to correct the constant sound of a running water tank?"
Try taking away it's sneakers?
Posted by: modsquad at February 7, 2009 12:42 AM
There are 2 ways a toilet leaks.
Either it is over filling, or water is leaking past the flapper/flush valve, and trying to refill back to proper level.
Or both.
Look to see if water is going over the overflow tube. That means the fill valve is leaking and must be replaced.
If not, the flapper, or entire flapper valve must be replaced. the flapper is easily done, but be aware that some toilets don't take a generic flapper. Kohler alone for example makes 12 different flappers.
John C.
Posted by: GT Spec at February 7, 2009 6:55 AM
Start with flapper, then flapper valve. The valve is easy to replace:drain the tank, clean, dry w/hair dryer, remove old gummy leaky gasket, then replace w/kit. Total cost will be about $15. And pay close attention to how flapper is seating, as others have mentioned.
Basically you should try DIY remedies b/4 calling a plumber, given that they'll charge a minimum of $150.
Posted by: Bolder at February 7, 2009 2:53 PM
Post a comment
Please be patient while your comment is published. It may take a moment.