There are times when you need to call a professional in order to get the job done properly. However, you’ll also find, on occasion, a problem at home can be easily fixed by yourself. Your decision on whether to call a plumber to fix a constantly running toilet will depend on how confident you are in your DIY skills.
In most cases, a running toilet is a simple fix. But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have the number of a reputable Sydney emergency plumbing firm to hand. If you get into problems you’ll want their support as fast as possible.
Before you get started it’s important to note that a dripping tap can cost you as much as $20 per day, imagine what a running toilet can cost! That’s why you need to take prompt action.
Understanding Your Toilet
The toilet cistern is actually quite simple, open the lid and take a look. There will be a mains water supply entering the cistern near the top. At the bottom is a flapper, when this is lifted it allows the water to rush into the bowl. There is also a float mechanism. When this rises to a set level it shuts off the water flow into the cistern. That’s it!
Correcting The Water Level
Your toilet is designed to run to prevent the water from spilling over the top of the cistern and into your home. Alongside the float and the flapper valve, you’ll find the water can go down a central hole. The water level, when the cistern is full, should be below this central hole.
If the water level is too high then it will keep flowing down the central hole and into your toilet, creating a running toilet.
To correct this you’ll need to adjust the water level. This is as simple as tightening the plastic ball on its arm to prevent it from rising so high. Adjust it and refill the cistern to see where it sits. It may take several attempts to get the water level just where you want it.
Flapper Valve Issue
The flapper valve sits at the bottom of the cistern and acts as a seal, keeping the water in the cistern. When it starts to fail it will create a proper seal, meaning that the water can run constantly into your toilet.
You’ll need to turn off the water supply to the cistern and drain it by flushing. You’ll then be able to remove the flapper arm and its assembly. This will allow you to get another one from your local store and fit it into your cistern.
There are usually two bolts at the bottom holding it in place.
Leaking Valve
The third most common issue is simply a leaking fill valve. This is where the water enters the cistern. If it’s leaking the water will keep entering even when the float shuts off the supply. You’ll need to turn the water supply off and remove the valve in order to replace it with another.
Again, if you have any doubts get professional help, you don’t want water pouring into your bathroom!
