Our Best Tips For Dealing With a Leaking Toilet

Are you concerned about the leaking water sounds coming from your toilet? A leaking toilet can cause more than an annoying sound; it can also cause an increase in your monthly water bill. Luckily, fixing a leaking toilet isn't as complicated as you may think it is.

There are usually a handful of problems that could cause your toilet to run water, and we have gathered some information on the best ways you can fix and avoid a leaking toilet in the future.

Regularly Inspect Your Toilet Flapper

The first tip we have is to inspect your toilet flapper and other elements inside your tank regularly, or about every six months. Why? Most of the time, if your toilet is running water, it is because there is a problem with your toilet flapper.

The toilet flapper is a covering that fits either over or inside of your tank overflow pipe and controls the flow of water into the bowl when your toilet is flushed. It should lift to let water in while the toilet is flushing, and lower to cover the opening when it is not.

Whether your toilet uses a seat disk, tank ball, or rubber cap flapper, it may be vulnerable to breaking or wearing thin over time. If you have a rubber cap or tank ball flapper, check that the chain that connects the flapper to the flush handle is the correct length. This is a common problem that can cause leaks.

Look Out For These Other Possible Causes of a Running Toilet

Other parts of your toilet system may be to blame for the leaking toilet as well. For example, if your float is set too high, the water level in the tank will cause it to spill over into the overflow tube and leak.

If the float is to low, the water level will be too low to provide an adequate flush. Another thing to check is the fill tube.

This is a small, flexible tube that transports water from the fill valve to the overflow pipe. If it becomes disconnected, it could be affecting your toilets flush, and eventually, cause a leak.

Other Toilet Maintenance Tips That May Help

Good toilet maintenance is essential to avoiding problems like leaks and running water in your toilet. Follow these toilet maintenance tips to keep your toilet working at peak condition for as long as possible:

1. Do not dispose of anything other than human waste and toilet paper in your toilet.
2. Avoid flushing big wads of toilet paper down the drain at once.
3. Use only mild cleaners to clean your toilet bowl and avoid harsh chemicals.
4. Never use a liquid drain cleaner to unclog your toilet. Use a plunger instead, or call the professionals at Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing.

Tell us your favorite toilet maintenance tips in the comments below, so our readers can see them too! The next time your toilet is leaking or running water, give Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing, located in Reno, a call at (775) 626-7777!