Is your toilet running? Well, you better catch it! Ok, forget the dumb joke, but everyone needs a little humor during those rough times, and there’s nothing more frustrating than a toilet that won’t let up, especially when you don’t know how to fix it. When any small plumbing issue arises, you start to think, “Can I do this myself?” A runny toilet is one of those relatively minor issues that a homeowner can handle without calling for the plumber. At Big B’s Plumbing, we want to empower you to make those small plumbing fixes without making that call. And, we don’t want that to stop you from calling if you need some friendly advice.
Toilet Running? Isolate The Problem
There are literally hundreds of videos online on how to fix a leaking toilet. The first thing to remember is that your toilet is a fixture, not an appliance. That’s important if you’re a renter because landlords are usually responsible for fixtures, and the renter is responsible for the appliances.
Start by identifying the problem. If your toilet is running, then water is escaping. Toilet anatomy is pretty simple: toilets have a supply line, shut-off valve, flush handle, trip lever, flapper valve, and the flush valve. So any one of these parts could be causing your toilet to run. As long as your toilet tank is not leaking, then the problem is isolated to inside the tank–––which is a good thing.
A Runny Toilet Can Leak 200 Gallon Of Water A Day
The best place to start is the flapper valve. For most toilets, a full replacement kit is as low as $18, and a high-quality toilet kit is less than $40. The toilet flapper is the biggest reason for a runny toilet. Running toilets is more than just a nuisance; it’s a waste of the water we are trying to preserve. When your toilet’s flapper breaks, you must replace it immediately. A runny toilet is responsible for as much as 200 gallons of water per day. To start, turn off the water supply to your toilet, and empty the tank. Make sure that you remove and dispose of the old flapper valve before installing a new one. Set the replacement flapper over the valve and lengthen the chain as necessary to create a tight seal. Now you can say goodbye to that leaky toilet.
Step By Step Instructions:
- Turn off the water at the shut-off valve next to your toilet.
- Flush the toilet to empty the water from the bowl and tank. Once you’ve drained the water from the tank, clear out any existing water.
- Disconnect the bad flapper valve from the overflow tube.
- To make sure you purchase the correct flapper, use the old toilet flapper to purchase a new one.
- Connect the new flapper to the flush valve. If you have never changed a flapper before, use your smartphone to snap a couple of pictures before removing it.
- Adjust the chain length accordingly. You can also measure the chain length before removing it.
- Turn the water back on, fill the tank, and test out the new flapper.
Something Else To Consider About Your Toilet
Here is something to consider: most toilets last for many years. The fact is, the average toilet lasts 15 years to 30 years, and if your toilet is well maintained, it could last as much as 50 years. In addition, the wax seal could last as much as 30 years. If you’re currently facing a toilet repair, ask yourself if it’s time to upgrade that old toilet to a new one.
A Good Quality Toilet Doesn’t Need To Cost An Arm And A Leg
Like everything else, modern technology has not passed us up when it comes to our toilets. The latest toilet models use 1.1 to 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Older model toilets used 3-5 gallons per flush. Additionally, a brand new toilet doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. A very nice quality toilet can cost as little as $150, but like everything else, you can purchase one with all the bells and whistles for much more. At Big B’s Plumbing, we’ve earned a respected reputation by providing our customers with quality parts and the highest level of service. License #986152, check it out! Is your toilet running? Big B’s Plumbing has the solution. We’ve been servicing Inland Empire, Riverside, and San Diego County for over a decade.
