Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Flapper Chain’

Why Does My Toilet Keep Running? 

Monday, April 11th, 2022

When the toilet runs continuously, you are possibly wasting gallons of water and increasing your water bill. However, there’s no need to be concerned; a running toilet is typically a straightforward remedy. The three most prevalent reasons are a damaged or unclean flapper, a chain that is too long or too short between the flush lever and the flapper, or an out-of-place float. There are simple solutions to the question you can ask yourself why does my toilet keep running?

Why Isn’t My Toilet Turning Off?

The first thing you should do is switch off the water supply to the toilet. Next, turn to the right the silver knob on the back of the wall behind the toilet. Second, remove the tank cover and begin to identify all of the components and how they interact with one another.

  1. The rubber flapper is attached to the toilet flush lever (on the exterior) (inside).
  2. The rubber flapper prevents tank water from entering the bowl
  3. The pump is responsible for refilling the tank after a flush.
  4. To signal the pump when to stop, the float rises and falls with the water level.
  5. The overflow tube determines where the water level in the tank should be.

Flapper Chain Is The First Cause.

First, double-check that the chain is correctly connecting the flush lever and the rubber flapper. The chain will occasionally become disconnected. Next, jiggle the flush lever to examine if the chain has too much or too little slack. Because the flapper isn’t sealed, water will continue to flow into the bowl if it’s too short. When the lever is pressed, the chain will not open the flapper if it is too long. Cut the extra chain if necessary. A float may be added to the chain; adjust the float so that it lies on top of the water’s surface.

Flapper that is dirty or broken is the second cause.

Because the flapper has grown dusty, deformed, or cracked over time, it may no longer adequately close the drain. If you need to clean or replace it, first drain the tank entirely and then disconnect it from the chain. There will be a range of alternative options available at the store. Match the brand if possible, or find a “universal” label that looks similar to what you have. After reattaching the flapper, try it with water to determine if it seals properly.

If you discover that the flush valve (which holds the flapper in place) is the source of a water leak and has to be changed, follow these simple steps.

Float Out of Position Is The Second Cause 

An adjustable float regulates the water level within the tank. When the float is adjusted too low, it results in a weak flush. If it is adjusted too high, water will pour into the overflow tube and run continuously. Look for a fill level indication on the inside rear of the tank and mark it prominently on the overflow tube. If there isn’t a mark, measure 1 inch down the overflow tube and create a mark.

Turn on the water and flush the toilet to check where the water level ends in relation to the mark. If the water overflows, the pump’s float is set too high. Adjust the float up or down as needed. On an older toilet, the brass rod that connects to the float may need to be bent. To use a newer toilet, just turn a screw or slide a clip along a rod. Sometimes the fill valve (to which the float is connected) will not shut off and may be faulty. In this situation, you’ll need to acquire a new valve.

Contact Tureks Plumbing To Help With Any Services

When it comes to your toilet there can be a few reasons why it could be acting abnormally. Asking a professional plumber in appleton WI what the best next step could be the most efficient way to approach the situation. If your toilet continues to flow and these options do not resolve the issue, contact Tureks Plumbing, the best plumber in appleton WI. Our professionals will promptly and accurately get your toilet up and running.

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