Toilet Problems:   

Water Running in Toilet  

There are basically four possible reasons for water running noises coming from your toilet. Not repairing these problems will waste water and increases water usage costs. The good news is that you can do these repairs yourself.

Adjusting the float arm:
The float which maintains the water level in the toilet tank could be out of adjustment. This allows water to run out the overflow valve.
 

Adjusting the chain for the flapper:
The chain for the flapper has to be just the right length. Too long and it hangs up the flapper, not allowing it to close properly on the seat valve. Too short, and it doesn't close at all. These two situations allow water to just flow down the drain!
 

Cleaning the seat valve:
Over time water will seep under the flapper or ball (according to the type of toilet flush system you have.) If the seat valve is dirty or pitted, water seeps under the flapper down the drain. This is another situation that allows the water to just run down the drain. Lightly scrubbing the seat valve with fine steel wool should solve this problem.
 

Replacing a worn toilet flapper:
Over time the flapper will start to warp & deteriorate. Water will then seep under the flapper going down the drain. When this happens the flapper will have to be replaced.
 
 

You Can Do-It-Yourself!

(1.) Adjust the float arm:
You may need to adjust the float arm. A number of toilet designs have a ball that floats on the end of a metal rod. First, take the tank cover off and observe the float. You may need to bend the float arm down slightly until the water is approximately 1/2 inch below the overflow pipe. Once you have made this correction, flush toilet to make sure the proper level is maintained. If the float arm is the plastic style you may need to use the adjustment screw or knob on the float arm to raise or lower the float.
 

(2.) Adjusting the chain for the flapper:
First, take the tank cover off. From underneath the toilet, turn off the water supply. This will allow the holding tank to empty and make working on the toilet easier. If the chain to the flapper is too long and hangs up, then adjust it by hooking it to a different hole on the trip lever arm (this arm is attached to the flush handle.) Leave approximately 1/2 inch of chain slack. Another trick is to cut a 2 inch section of a plastic drinking straw. String this section through the chain and let slide down to the bottom near the flapper. This will stop the chain from getting hung up on the flapper after each flush. Some toilets have a lift wire for the tank ball. As the ball moves up and down it doesn't seat properly on the seat valve. This may need to be adjusted.

(3.) Cleaning the seat valve:
Have you ever experienced the "phantom flush?" This is when the toilet will start running unexpectedly for a short period of time. It takes place when the toilet flapper or ball does not seat properly on the seat valve. Water leaks slowly out of the toilet tank through the seat valve triggering a refill.