PROJECTS ONLINE: FLUSH TANK PROBLEMS: WHEN THE TOILET RUNS CONSTANTLY
Project Difficulty:
Easy Estimated
Project Time: 15 to 30 minutes, depending on what is needed
Tools and Materials:
Tank ball
Fine (#0000) steel wool
Washers for inlet valve of ball cock assembly
A toilet may run constantly for several reasons. Here's how to fix some common problems.
1.
What Can Go Wrong
Often, a cracked or waterlogged tank ball may cause your toilet water to run constantly. If the ball is worn out, water can bypass it into the toilet. Another possibility is that the seat in which the tank ball fits is corroded or pitted. The resulting leak causes the float ball in the tank to drop, opening the inlet valve in the ball cock assembly.
If the tank ball is worn out, replace it. Simply unscrew the float arm to remove the ball.
If the seat is corroded, turn off the water-supply valve, lift the float ball, and buff the seat with fine (#0000) steel wool.
Other possible causes of running water include worn washers at the inlet valve of the ball cock assembly, or a float that needs adjustment. If the former, replace the washers. For the latter, try readjusting the float arm up or down a little, taking care not to crimp it. (Fig. 1)
