A running toilet can do more than make an annoying sound; it can lead to water damage if left alone long enough. Sometimes the cause is nothing more than a part that isn’t sitting right, that’s why it’s important to know how the inside of your tank works so you can make some repairs yourself. A leaking toilet wastes a great deal of water and runs up your utility bill. It has a greater chance of overflowing and causing a water leak. If you have a septic system, a constant water flow will flood the septic tank and cause the drain field to saturate and fail. This can lead to an expensive repair bill that’s much higher than simply fixing a running toilet. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can check on the inside of your toilet’s tank to fix and repair plumbing leaks.
Fix a Running Toilet – Checklist
1. Check the fill valve or ballcock
The fill valve, or ballcock, is designed to shut off the water flow to the tank once it has filled up. If water keeps flowing through the overflow tube, you may need to readjust the amount of water going into the tank.
2. Check the flapper
The flapper creates a seal around the flush valve, which is how water flows into the toilet bowl. Many times when a toilet is “running”, it’s just a matter of the flapper not sitting correctly over the flush valve. Giving the toilet handle a jiggle is sometimes enough to correct the problem. Be sure the flapper isn’t worn or hardened, and that the chain hasn’t become tangled or broken.
3. Check the flush valve and lever
The flush valve can also become damaged or corroded over time. Water can slowly leak into the toilet bowl and cause the tank to refill. The flush lever, which includes the handle and the arm inside the tank, also needs to be in top shape to avoid leading to leaks. Be sure it’s not bent or broken. There are many easy tutorials online that can help you repair these parts and save you a call to a plumber.
Flood Safety – Bathroom Inspection Tips – ServiceMaster Restore Video
Some home flooding can be prevented with simple home inspections you can do periodically. One of the most common areas to check first in your home is the restroom.
Water Damage Restoration
If you discover water damage in your home in Houston, TX, call ServiceMaster Restore immediately. Our industry certified technicians and project coordinators work with you to develop a comprehensive water damage restoration plan to remove water and excess moisture as soon as possible, before dangerous mold can grow. We offer 24/7/365 service because water emergencies don’t respect schedules.
Water damage remediation costs vary, depending on the extent of the damage, watch the video for more information.
