Homeowner guideHow-to
Quieting a Toilet That Keeps Running
A toilet that never stops filling quietly drains money. Most fixes involve a few inexpensive parts and no special tools.
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- Short steps a homeowner can follow safely
- What to check before you pick up the phone
- Clear signs it is time to call a plumber
- Markham and York Region notes where they matter
- Licensing details confirmed when you call
- Residential
- Commercial
- Markham & York Region
The short version
- Flapper: the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank.
- Chain: connects the flapper to the handle.
- Fill valve: the tower that lets water back in.
- Float: tells the fill valve when to stop.
- Overflow tube: the open pipe in the middle of the tank.
Find the cause
Lift off the lid and look over these pieces:
Fix 1: the flapper
If water trickles into the bowl, the flapper may be worn or warped. Shut off the water, flush to drain the tank, lift the worn flapper off its pegs and install a new one that matches your toilet.
Fix 2: the chain
With too little slack, the chain holds the flapper up. Too long, and it can get trapped under the flapper. Adjust it so there is a little slack.
Fix 3: the water level
Water spilling into the overflow tube means the level is set too high. Lower the float until filling stops roughly two to three centimetres under the tube's rim.
Fix 4: the fill valve
If the fill valve hisses or does not shut off, clean or replace it. Most fill valves are universal and come with clear instructions.
From the van: Take the old part to the hardware store so you can match it. Toilet parts vary more than you might think.
When to call
If the tank leaks at the bolts, the toilet rocks, or fresh parts have not stopped the hissing, give us a ring. There may be a crack or a problem with the toilet itself.