Last Updated on August 23, 2022 by acechapman
It doesn’t matter where you live, if there is running water in your home, then you need to check the toilet. You may have a running toilet if the sprinklers aren’t on. This is often caused by water constantly running from your tank into the bowl. Thus, preventing the toilet fill valve from shutting off.
This could mean that you are wasting water every day. This problem can be avoided by first identifying the cause of your running toilet, and then fixing it.
What are the causes of the toilet fill valve not shutting off?
There are many reasons you may have a running toilet at home. These problems can be diagnosed by inspecting the flapper, tank ball, as well as flush valve. This is where the problem could start.
You should always turn off the water supply to your toilet when replacing the flush valve or its components. The shut-off valve is located usually behind the toilet. These could be reasons you have a running toilet in your bathroom.
Flush Valve
The flush valve is where the flapper rests in order to seal the water tank. This should be one of the first things you check in your toilet. Are there any chips or rough spots on the valve? Noting that toilets can be clogged or damaged by a flush valve, it is important to remember that they could stop working. If the rim is already damaged, you should then replace it.
If the rim of your flush valve appears smooth and clean, but water continues to flow into the bowl from the flapper, it is possible that either the flapper or the tank ball is defective.
Cracked Flapper
If the flapper or tank ball is cracked, it can fill with water as the tank is emptying. The flapper may not close properly as a result. These components may also become damaged over time. They may not be able to seal the bowl properly thus allowing the water through. There are many types of tank balls and flappers. Many flush valves use a cylindrical with a flat seal. The method of diagnosing and repairing such problems will differ from one toilet to the other.
Loosened Flush Lever
Another reason for running toilets could be the flush lever not being securely fastened to the tank’s wall. You should reach inside the tank to tighten the locknut. To prevent the cracking of porcelain, it is best to tighten the lock nut using your hands. You should also ensure that the flush valve is not bent or separated.
Sometimes, the flush lever may be damaged. You should then replace the flush lever with a new one.
Fill Valve Problem
If the flush lever works well, then the flush valve is closed well. If the water continues to fill the tank, exiting into the bowl through an overflow tube, it is possible that the fill valve has failed. The overflow tube is a feature that prevents water from leaking onto the floor and overflowing into the tank of regular toilet tanks.
The fill valve is designed to shut off water flow once the tank has filled. If the toilet fill valve is not shutting off after the tank is full, it could be faulty. It could be dirty, or it could have debris.
Fill Height
Your tank’s overflow tube prevents water from filling up and flooding your bathroom. If the float cup is too high, then the water could enter your overflow tube and possibly flow into your toilet bowl. This will cause the fill valve to switch on to replenish your tank regularly.
To properly adjust the water level, it is necessary to adjust the fill height. It should not be either too high or too low. You will find marks on the toilet tank’s inside that indicate where the float should go to ensure that the toilet works properly.
The flapper chain and flush handle not working properly
A faulty flapper chain and flush handle are the last things that can cause a running toilet to occur in your home. Sometimes the flapper chain can become entangled or too short. The flapper won’t close and the toilet will continue to cycle indefinitely. The chain should be slightly loose when closed, but not too loose. The chain should not be too tight or too loose. Replace it if it becomes rusty.
How to fix a toilet fill valve that doesn’t shut off?
You can fix your running toilet yourself if you have one.
Change the flapper
A defective flapper is one of the biggest problems with a running toilet. The flapper, which is located within the tank and lifts water out of the bowl, becomes defective as soon as you flush the toilet. The rubber stopper can deteriorate over time, allowing water to leak through its tight seal. This can be fixed by replacing the flapper.
Turn off the water supply to the toilet before replacing the flapper. To drain any remaining water from the bowl and tank, flush the toilet. After this, you can easily remove the flapper.
It is crucial that you understand how the flapper attaches at the bottom of your tank. There are many flappers on the market. Make sure you choose one that is the same as the original. For best results, follow the instructions provided with the replacement flapper.
Adjust the float to the correct level
There are two types of toilet floats: the cup float and the ball float. To avoid problems, make sure the ball float is at the correct level.
It should not be set too high as it can cause water levels to rise to the top of the overflow pipe, making the toilet stop working. To avoid this, adjust the water level.
Make sure the valve is closed
The support valve should be able to flop over the tank and seal it. If the stopper valve does not fit properly, it could cause a running toilet. You can adjust the hinges of the valve to make it sit properly. You can also replace the valve if this doesn’t work.
Inspect the connection between the handle and stopper valve
The stopper is connected to the handle by a chain. The stopper valve will open when you push the handle. You should jiggle the handle to ensure that the stopper valve closes well. This solution is temporary. The toilet may not flush properly if the chain is broken.
Replace the fill valve
The flapper and fill tube may be fine sometimes, but your toilet still works. The fill valve could be defective. You should replace the fill valve with a brand new one. You will need to drain the tank, then remove the valve from its place. This can be done by unscrewing water supply lines and then removing the lock nut from the tank.
You should ensure that the replacement is the correct one. Take the old valve along with you to the store. After you have purchased the replacement valve, you can then now attach it to your existing valve and adjust its water level. This will resolve the problem of a running toilet in your bathroom.
Check for mineral deposits
Mineral deposits can sometimes build up on your flapper and prevent it from sealing properly. You can clean your flapper by soaking it for 30 minutes in vinegar. Then, use a brush to scrub the surface.
You can also clean the flapper with a damp cloth and shampoo as an alternative. The flapper will be more elastic after it is cleaned. After the flapper has been cleaned, place it back on the flush valve. Next, connect the hooks at the sides to the pins of the overflow tube.
Now, you don’t have to worry about a running toilet. These ideas can help you resolve this issue once and for all. These ideas will allow you to have a functional and water-saving toilet.
Wrapping up
If your toilet fill valve is not shutting off, you should first turn off the main shutoff valve. You can then try either fixing the toilet valve or replacing the worn-out one with a new one.
A professional can help you if all fails. It is also much cheaper.
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