How to fix a running Toto or Kohler toilet: 4 Easy Steps

It’s not a good idea to ignore a running toilet for too long. Even if it is just leaking a small amount of water, it can be quite expensive to do and can create a  lot of noise. 

   Running toilets can be caused by many things, and sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint what the cause is. However, there are some things you can do in order to fix a running toilet. Here are some steps you should take before calling a plumber.

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How to diagnose the cause of a running toilet

It is possible that the flush is stuck. Press the flush a few times and see if this fixes the issue. Sometimes the flush gets stuck and this can cause water to keep running. 

-If the water is running constantly, the problem is probably a faulty flapper. The rubber flap that opens and shuts to control the release of water can stop working. When this happens, water will continue to run until something else in your toilet breaks or falls apart.

Sometimes the water tank is just dirty and there are parts that are blocking the flapper. You have to clean your tank from time to time to keep this from happening. Just getting this dirt and debris out of the water tank can already get it fixed. Let’s see how this can be done. Start by turning off the water supply to your toilet.

It is also possible that there is a crack in the toilet tank. This tank will have to be replaced. Furthermore, improper installation can make it possible that the toilet keeps running as well. Check if the tank is properly sealed. 

How to fix a running toilet

If you find a potential source of the problem, try to fix it yourself. This will save you money and prevent any further damage.

The first step is to close the shut-off valve for your toilet. Turn this off by turning the knob on it (this can be in the toilet tank itself). Once this is done, you can open the toilet tank by removing the cover. This is easier for older models as these are not built in the wall. 

When the water is turned off, then you should try to clear any obstruction in the toilet’s bowl.  We discussed how to clean your toilet tank before. Small items can block the flapper. Just remove these from the toilet tank. If you notice that the flapper is closing again, you can flush a few times and see if this does the trick. 

The flapper is a rubber flap that sits on top of a toilet tank and helps water enter the tank after it leaves your toilet, helping to flush out the tank. The problem with flappers is that they can get worn down over time and cause a leak in the tank.  This piece is quite cheap to get. Just make sure that you get a model that fits with your toilet. Often you can ask a store by sending them a picture of your toilet. If you have the model number of the toilet (this can often be found on the toilet tank or panel), it is quite easy to find a replacement part. Replacing the flapper is often quite straightforward as there are instructions included. You can always contact the manufacturer of your toilet if you are having issues. 

How to replace a toilet flapper

Replacing a flapper is quite straightforward in this instance.  If you have to order one, you can open the shut-off valve when you have to flush and close it again afterward.

Replacing a worn-down flapper can be easy if you follow these steps:

1) Turn off all water sources to the toilet before beginning work.

2) Remove the old flapper and lay it on its side so debris doesn’t fall into the tank while you work.

3) Unscrew the new flapper and put it in place before screwing it into place tightly with pliers.

4) Fill up your toilet bowl with water and let it sit for five minutes before turning back on any water source.

Newer toilets are often built in the wall and this takes some more work to get it opened.  The flapper is harder to access and you might need to call a plumber if you need help with this. 

How to maintain your toilet tank

Flappers should last 5-10 years so you don’t have to replace them that often. Toilets can last longer but it is possible that the rubber or plastic parts in them start to break down after a while as well. Some plumbers argue that you should maintain your water tank by adding cleaning products. This removes debris and can help to make sure that you don’t have a running toilet in the future. Let’s take a look at how this can be done.  

To make sure that it is fixed, you can listen. Toilets often make noise when water is being added to the water tank. A small hole in the tank can leak water so it can take some time before you hear it filling up again. To be completely sure, you can also check the water meter. This is not always accessible though. If it is, just turn off all the devices that use water. Note down the numbers that are displayed in the water meter. Wait for 15 minutes and check if the numbers are still the same. If they are, you don’t have a leak. If they have changed quite a lot since then, you might have a leak and it is best to check with a plumber to see what is going on. It is not always possible to see leaks. They can create a lot of damage so it is best to get them looked at.   

It is important to fix a running toilet as soon as you notice it. If the problem isn’t addressed, there could be serious consequences. A running toilet can lead to a major water leak or overflow, which can damage the bathroom. In this article, we have outlined some ways to get this fixed.

Toilets can last more than a decade if you take good care of them. From time to time parts can break as they are made out of plastic or rubber. In this post, we have outlined what to look for if your toilet keeps running. In some instances, there is a bigger problem (such as a crack) and you will need to call a plumber to get it fixed.

Repairing a toilet is essential as water damage can be quite expensive to repair. This can damage your house but also lead to dangerous mold and other problems.

These problems won’t fix themselves and might get worse over time. A small crack can become a big problem after a few weeks.