Fixing a running toilet

Find the culprit in 2 minutes

Remove the tank lid. Two usual suspects: the flapper (the rubber piece at the bottom, on the chain) no longer sealing properly, or a badly adjusted float letting water rise to the overflow tube. Simple test: a few drops of food colouring in the tank — if the bowl takes colour without flushing, the flapper leaks.

The two easy fixes

Worn flapper: close the shut-off valve behind the toilet, flush to empty, unhook the old flapper and fit the new one (a few dollars at the hardware store — bring the old one to match the model). Also check the chain has a little slack: too tight, it keeps the flapper from closing.

Badly adjusted float: the water should stop 2-3 cm below the overflow tube. Depending on the model, turn the adjustment screw or bend the rod to lower the level. Reopen the valve, let it fill, observe.

When to call a worker

If the leak comes from the base of the toilet (water on the floor), if the tank is cracked, or if the whole mechanism is corroded, don't insist: an unsealed toilet can damage the floor. Post a request on AlloPro with a photo of the mechanism — mechanism or toilet replacement is routine for our workers.