WEST AUCKLAND PLUMBER – Toilet Repair
If you’ve ever had a toilet that continually won’t stop running, you know what a nuisance it can be. Not only is it noisy, but it is also an unnecessary waste of water.
Most modern toilets have an overflow drain at the back. If the water flowing in is not coming in faster than the water flowing out via the overflow drain, the toilet won’t actually overflow. But it’s still a problem that needs fixing.
To determine whether your toilet is continually running, listen out next time you flush to see if you continue to hear a running water sound after you flush. If it sounds like the tank is filling and won’t stop, there may be a problem with one or more of the parts.
Let’s look at the most common reasons why your toilet won’t stop running.
- A problem with the float
One of the most reasons for a continually flowing toilet is a problem with the float.
After a flush, the tank refills to a certain level. It is the float that determines when the toilet should stop filling. In older toilets, the float is a ball that floats on top of the water in the tank – hence its name. The float is set to the height of a pre-set water level, and when refill water reaches that level, the valve on the refill tube closes. In newer toilets, the float may be a float cup located on the valve body. It rises and falls with the water level and when the level reaches the pre-set height, it closes the valve on the refill tube.
If the float is damaged or worn out, it won’t do its job properly. This is usually an easy thing to repair.
- The flapper is worn or damaged
The flapper is the part that stops the tank water from going into the bowl by sealing the drain between the tank and bowl. Over time, this part may also deteriorate and need replacing. If the flapper is broken or worn, it won’t seal properly. As a result, water continues to flow from the tank into the bowl.
- The flapper is not connected properly
After a flush, the bowl needs to be refilled with water from the tank. As we’ve seen above, the flapper provides the seal between the tank and the bowl, and it needs to be lifted to allow water to flow into the bowl. It is connected to the flush lever or flush button on the outside of the toilet by a chain or piece of metal in the tank. If that is not the correct length, or it has been dislodged, the flapper won’t lift and lower as it is meant to. As a result, it won’t seal, and water will continue to flow from the tank to the bowl.
- A problem with the refill tube
When the float falls to a certain level, the refill tube starts to fill the tank with fresh water. When the float reaches the pre-set level, the toilet stops refilling. While the refill tube works to refill the tank, it may impact whether the toilet continues to run after a flush. All the parts in the tank and the bowl work together. When one part is out of synch, it can affect how the components work. If the refill tube is too long, it may force too much water into the tank, which then lifts the seal, continuously flowing into the bowl.
- The toilet has reached its end of life
Toilets can last a very long time when properly maintained. However, if many of the internal components are quite old and worn, it may be time to replace your toilet. Trust us when we say that you won’t know how much you will appreciate a new toilet until you have one!
Stopping a continually running toilet is usually an easy DIY job. Just make sure you turn off the water supply to the toilet first. But if you’re not confident, we can help. If it’s happening too often, it may be time to replace the toilet.
Give us a call and we can determine what sort of toilet repair or replacement is necessary.
THE SUMICH DIFFERENCE
There are a number of plumbing and drainage companies in Auckland, so why choose Sumich?
Founded by owner-operator Chris Sumich in 1991, Laser Plumbing Te Atatu has one of the most experienced teams operating in Auckland. Our team has a combined experience of over 100 years and we’ve seen a comprehensive range of scenarios and solutions over the years. Clients trust us to give honest, transparent advice and service.
As registered members of the New Zealand Plumbers, Drainlayers & Gasfitters Association, we are professional, licensed Auckland plumbers for all of your plumbing, drain laying, gas fitting and heating needs. Give us a call to see how we can help.