by Keith Hamburger

Created on: February 10, 2009   Last Updated: June 18, 2010

While toilets are fairly simple devices there are a number of problems that can arise that might need repair. Most of these are due to leaks of various sorts, either inside or outside the toilet.

The main components of the toilet are the tank and the bowl. The bowl is a simple device that operates with a pool of water that is drained out the back by a siphon effect when the bowl is filled by the flush water. The tank is where all of the valves and other operating parts are located. The tank is generally held to the bowl with two bolts.

Preparation

The preparation for virtually all of the repairs you will face will be the same. After identifying the problem with the diagnostics below, you will need to shut off the water to the toilet and drain it before attempting a repair.

To shut off the water you will need to locate the shutoff valve. It is located on the inlet line, generally on the bottom left of the tank as you are facing the toilet. Turn the valve counterclockwise to close it.

Next you will need to drain the tank, and, if work is to be done on the bowl, that as well. Flush the toilet until as much water is drained from the tank as possible. This is the point where you will make sure the water is properly shut off, you shouldn't hear any water running after you flush the tank.

Next take the lid off of the tank and using a sponge or rag get as much water out of the tank as possible, ideally it will be nearly bone dry. You can use a sponge to empty the water in the bowl, as well, if that is necessary.

Toilet running

There can be three causes of a toilet running all of the time, a float that needs adjustment, a faulty flapper valve or a faulty inlet valve.

Float adjustment

The first thing to check would be the float adjustment. With the tank full you can remove the lid and look at the overflow tube in the tank. If the water in the tank is up to that overflow tube and running into the bowl then you simply need to adjust your float.

There are different types of floats and adjustments. Older floats have a brass ball and a metal rod. Often the only way to adjust this float is to bend the rod so the float is lower, closing the inlet valve. Newer floats usually have a screw adjustment at the valve end. Turning the screw clockwise should set the float lower closing the valve. If the water runs faster when you do this try turning the screw the other way.

Flapper valve

If you can stop the toilet running by jiggling the handle the most likely cause is the flapper valve.

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