How to Fix a Running Toilet (Beginner Guide)
Intro
A running toilet wastes water, raises your bill, and is one of the easiest repairs in the entire house. Even beginners can fix it in under 15 minutes with one cheap part.
Most Common Cause: Faulty Flapper
The rubber flapper inside your tank wears out over time, causing water to leak and the fill valve to run constantly.
👉 Replacement flappers on Amazon
How to Replace the Flapper
- Turn off water (optional but recommended).
- Flush to drain the tank.
- Unhook the old flapper from the overflow tube.
- Disconnect the chain from the handle.
- Snap the new flapper into place.
- Adjust the chain length (not too tight).
- Turn water back on and test.
When It’s NOT the Flapper
- Fill valve stuck
- Float too low or too high
- Chain tangled
- Worn tank lever
Final Tips
Most running toilets are fixed for under $10.
Start with the flapper — 90% of the time, that’s your solution.
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