Diagnosing A Running Toilet

How To Diagnose A RUNNING TOILET
If you’ve ever used a toilet in your life, then you’re probably familiar with what it sounds like when you flush it. That rushing water noise is the sound of the toilet tank filling up. It should take around 2 minutes for this to happen. If you’re toilet is taking much longer than 2 minutes OR if it fills up at random times throughout the day, even though nobody has flushed it, then you probably have a RUNNING TOILET problem.
To confirm that you have this problem, you’ll want to remove the tank lid and take a look inside. Your toilet may look a little different than mine, but it should have the same basic parts.
• There is the fill valve. This lets water into the tank.
• There is the float. This turns the fill valve off when the water gets high enough.
• There is an overflow tube. This lets water from the tank into the toilet bowl if the water level gets too high in the tank.
• There is the flapper. This part keeps the water in the tank until you push the flush lever. Then the water rushes into the bowl to flush the toilet.
The first and most common problem is that the toilet flapper deteriorates over time and looses its seal with the bottom of the tank. When that happens, it slowly lets water out of the tank and lowers the water level. When the water level goes down, so does the toilet float and that turns the fill valve on so the toilet tank can be full. This fill up time is usually just a second or so, because there isn’t much water needed to fill it back up. Besides noticing the fill-up noise happening at annoyingly random times, you can also perform the following test to confirm that you have this problem. Find your favorite color of food coloring and lace a few drops into the toilet tank water. Come back in about 1-2 hours and look into the toilet bowl. If the water in the toilet bowl has changed water then you have just confirmed that you have a RUNNING TOILET.
A second problem that you might have is if the fill valve won’t ever turn fully off. One reason this might happen is if the float is set too high. There is an adjustment for the float that allows you to adjust the water level. You typically want the level to be about half of an inch below the top of the overflow tube. If you have confirmed that float is set at the correct level but still the fill valve won’t turn off, then it is likely that the fill valve is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Once you have confirmed that you have one or both of these problems, you’re going to want to get them fixed. If you don’t stop your RUNNING TOILET, you will see an increase in your water bill and sometimes it can be significant. If you’re the homeowner or landlord, you could hire a plumber, a handyman or do it yourself.
If you are just renting this space, then you will want to notify your landlord in writing as soon as you notice the problem. There are some repair issues that you as a tenant can take care of, but when it comes to repairs involving water, most landlords would want it taken care of professionally. If you don’t pay the water bill directly, it is still part of what your rent covers and that is based on normal usage amounts. Not reporting a RUNNING TOILET will cause your landlords expenses to go up and this could be passed on to you, either as a charge for the extra usage OR by increasing your rent at your next lease renewal.
If you don’t mind paying extra on your water bill and the noise of running water doesn’t bother you - at least do it for the environment. Because who knows when the last drop of water will be used up.
--
Background music: Good To Go by Gunnar Olsen. youtube music library.
John Stiles is a licensed real estate agent with Bridge Realty in Bloomington, MN.
Find out more about John at www.realestatestiles.com

[@MatthewMcDermott6]

“If you’ve ever used a toilet in your life, you’re probably familiar with what it sounds like when it’s filling up” *Elevator funk music plays*

[@Zeahappy]

Well. My toilet sounds like censored rap music.

[@joesabo1428]

Diagnosed my flapper seal before the video was even over! Thanks for helping me save time on this DIY!

[@RealEstateStiles]

Wonderful. Thank you.

[@teresathayn5170]

Thank You! This has been driving me nuts!!

[@JodBronson]

*If you are in the Winter - Cold Weather (Where you live), usually it's NOT leaking. If you see this message, ask me for the link. It will save you a lot of money + headaches!*

[@treyvonsmith2349]

Dude. You did a great job and the I could hear you just fine over the music. Like I legit didn’t notice the music until I looked at the comments. Maybe it’s because I was too busy putting this great information to use. 🤷‍♀️

[@RealEstateStiles]

Thanks for watching Treyvon. Glad you found this information helpful!

[@karamjitsingh7775]

Thanks for the commonsense advice. Especially, the use of the food colouring.

[@krystalutubor]

The dry humor! 😂 thanks

[@SingSirenMae]

I enjoyed it too lol 😆

[@SB-gq7fp]

Thank you! Made my life so much easier

[@jamesm.3967]

Well explained. Nice and slow...good job. Ty.

[@RealEstateStiles]

Thank you.

[@mugflub]

No, my toilet doesn't play bad funk music when it's filling up.

[@RealEstateStiles]

You need to get the special model. It was a special edition. Sorry you missed out :-)

[@mugflub]

Dag nabbit.

[@MrPyroguru]

+mugflub, What are you complaining about dude? My model is a running toilet. It runs away when someone tries using it! LOL

[@quianascott8627]

😂😂😂😂 right Can't nobody hear him with the music playing I'm like why in the hell have that music playing

[@Fee.1]

@@quianascott8627 it’s how you fix audio problems on budding KZbin channels. How to diagnose runny audio issue on KZbin: 1.) do you have a video recording that includes audio? 2.) is the audio clip important, nay CRITICAL, to the videos’ message ? 3.) if yes to all the above, you can’t go wrong by ensuring you play music over the quietest part of the video that you’re asking viewers to listen to, and be sure that it is louder than the overall volume level to begin with just in case any headphone users try to get around your music by just turning up the volume to make sure they can hear! You Fixed the runny audio issue!

[@flyingveda]

That food coloring trick saved me so much aggravation. Thank you!

[@kennethsmith7002]

how do you check the other part? the fill valve?

[@HiGHnP753]

Thanks...great tip on the food colouring and love the 90s porno music in the back.

[@THEalexpaigester]

Toilet pun was perfect lol

[@TastyCookies69]

I wish my toilet played dubstep. Please teach me your ways XD

[@RealEstateStiles]

One of a kind.

[@colsomemiah6095]

Simple and reassuring...mega thanks

[@RealEstateStiles]

Thanks for watching.

[@nedmoulton7313]

Good job my friend!

[@RealEstateStiles]

Thank you.

[@bigoz7]

Cool vid thanks for sharing!

[@garretcastlebright8996]

I HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I AM GOING TO CHECK IT OUT THANKS TO YOU. MEGA VIDEO.

[@RealEstateStiles]

Thanks for watching. All the best.

[@kevanparker908]

I always smear Vaseline on the surfaces the float contacts with and other moving parts. Helps smooth running, excuse the pun!

[@ericbitzer5247]

My toilet is running after it's full. But when I shut the water off and turn it back on, it stops until the next flush.

[@rayday007]

People, be sure to shorten the length of the water line that comes with a new fill valve float, I was wondering why the water kept running, and I put the new line in the overflow pipe too long! this caused the fill valve to keep self-siphoning and draining and filling up the tank again, the line should be attached right on top, I viewed many videos stating if water drains from the tank, the only issue is the flapper, NOT TRUE!

[@mrzugzug]

If you do not have any food coloring, you can use beet juice to accomplish the same thing. Just open a can or squeeze a fresh beet (cooked is easier) and pour the juice in. It only takes a couple tablespoons. If you squeeze a fresh one just be careful not to allow any pulp to get thrown into the basin with the juice.

[@jafallica]

We don’t need to hear the loud obnoxious music!

[@josephcline3652]

Got that Zuck stare.

[@Lily-co3sx]

If the water is running into the bowl for to long while flushing, OR three are small streaks of water constantly, does that indicate a bad seal? I just put a new fill valve in, and the water seems to be running more while the tank is filling. Thanks!!

[@ddone1583]

You can see a doctor

[@eednarb]

helpful... but can't find the "next video" you mentioned that shows us how to fix it. Is it not posted yet?

[@RealEstateStiles]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnXEi4qrpLWer6c

[@quianascott8627]

I glad you ask I was thinking the same. Like Wth??

[@johnjoseph7382]

sometimes a small amount of sediment builds up on the part that the flapper closes on....wiping around that area with a rag can clean it off and allow a good seal again

[@RealEstateStiles]

Great point

[@Ye_Is_The_Way]

I believe those colrox tablets ate away at my flapper

[@gigirucci]

I don't know who you are but you seriously saved me $$$$ from calling a plumber. I took your advice and wiped the settlement from the plug, and IT WORKED!!! You are a godsend! Thank you!!!

[@JonSudlowpc]

Indeed. I am trying this first. Found a bunch of pink sediment on the part the flapper closes on. Just took a sponge and cleaned all the debris off. Fingers crossed it can seal again :)

[@hatetaxes1]

I am a tenant and I fix my own apartment. I don't like strangers in my home.

[@TastyCookies69]

Question when we flush our toilet the float won’t go down enough to re fill we have to pop the top off and manually push it down. How do you fix that?

[@RealEstateStiles]

Not sure about that.... is something blocking it from going down? Maybe you need a new fill valve? Sorry I can't be of more help.

[@pointblank6467]

cool. thanks my man.

[@RealEstateStiles]

Thanks for watching.

[@kimber4372]

The food coloring tip is AWESOME!

[@BlueHen123]

Quentin Tarrantino sure has a lot of side gigs

[@jdhitc]

how about if your toilet is running just barely enough that it's visible, i only noticed it because you can see a small ripple. It's just in one little stream. Probably the flapper hum?

[@RealEstateStiles]

+Super bee did you try the food coloring test?

[@GerszewskiontheHill]

Ret4443223 333wal Estate Stiles

[@Element_Z48]

how to fix a running toilet? easy! break its legs

[@RealEstateStiles]

Exactly.

[@raymondprice44]

Hey thanks for the video . Great info. By the way what the name of that background music . Its great also . Can you share the name

[@paintbynumbers07]

Good To Go by Gunnar Olsen.

[@heartbeatstorm983]

A small tip.. Do not play music while,, giving a how to video.. Especially when you ask viewers to listen,, the music drowns out what you say and what your doing...

[@RealEstateStiles]

Lesson learned.

[@despilaidlaw7642]

Why does it keep on making that weird noise

[@AshGreen359]

What if it's not the flapper but the hole the flapper is covering is messed up?

[@RealEstateStiles]

Hello Ash Green. Thanks for watching. Your local hardware store should sell a toilet repair kit with a seal that can be place around that hole. That usually does the trick. However if it doesn't, then you may need a new toilet tank. www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Toilet-Repair-Kit-10573/205172307

[@AshGreen359]

@@RealEstateStiles Oh thanks! I wasn't sure those existed

[@Gerry-fw9pp]

When the music stops so did the toilet

[@giveyouashot]

I spent hours playing and putting in a new flapper: That did not fix the problem. The toiler would still run. Eventually after watching this video, I switched out the filler valve and it fixed the problem. Those specific filler valves are garbage. They only last a couple of years and they need to be changed out - sometimes sooner than later.

[@JodBronson]

*If you are in the Winter - Cold Weather (Where you live), usually it's NOT leaking. If you see this message, ask me for the link. It will save you a lot of money + headaches!*

[@vanessavargas6819]

My toilet keeps making a sound it's annoying!!! And it's 5am!!! And it's that black float thing how do I fix that?

[@hugostiglitz9864]

What if you replace the flapper and you still have no seal? Thanks.

[@RealEstateStiles]

+HugoStiglitz you may need to seal the tank rim where the flapper rests. m.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1276451&KPID=964322&cid=CAPLA:G:Shopping_-_Toilet_Seats&pla=pla_964322&k_clickid=726d437a-99d2-4829-a1a1-d2e3ae68fb08&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7dHSBRDEARIsAJhAHwhSVkXrHINbBLiTsyoEnFj6wRT0XHns6TRXAmoS6mq9L-zi7HK7SHMaAvWnEALw_wcB

[@hugostiglitz9864]

Thank you!

[@g4king11]

Check to see that there are no deposits or residue on the seal ar the top of the opening. If there is corrosion, there are kits to add a smooth replacement. Also, be sure that the chain is not too long. I have seen examples of the end of the chain getting sucked under the flapper before it closes.

[@Fee.1]

My toilet plays modern funk every time I flush it too, turns out there’s no issue after all?! Thanks!

[@broderecky]

This made me laugh harder than it should've. 😄

[@liangxia2367]

thumb up for the color part

[@UncleAlfieDrip]

saved me 300, good lookin out

[@ElGuny]

Wish I would known this a month ago my water bill cost me a 400 dollar....😠

[@MLM111]

El Broky you could have cut off the water at the base of toilet 🤨

[@thelmagriffin5851]

I was doing that until it just gave out now 2 problems inside and out it's in good working order now

[@privateprivate5302]

I know the issue, the float slides down, not really floating. I have to physically pull the float up

[@princeosop]

Oh please... stop whining, despite the music I can hear him fine. Wording is succinct and speech is clear. Unfortunately, my toilets issue seems to be with the fill valve. The valve is spraying water upwards toward the tank cover and water oozes out even from the lever outside. Looking for a video on how to repair the valve...but I guess that is more specific to each toilet model.

[@RealEstateStiles]

+Harry Zhang thanks for your comment. Depending on your model, there might be a small hose that is supposed to go from the fill valve to the overflow tube. It's supposed to be held on with a small clip. If this gets knocked off or removed some how that might cause the water to spray everywhere. Not sure if this is your problem but maybe. They should have the replacement part at your local hardware store. All the best.

[@princeosop]

Real Estate Stiles thanks, the fill tube was fine. I just took it out and changed the ballcock and rod to a new fluidmaster fill valve, after I realized we can just upgrade to the newer design. Worked like a charm. I think the ballcock was just rusted or cracked somewhere inside. Much simpler than originally anticipated. Just a hole at bottom of tank. Unless the toilet itself is physically cracked or broken, I don't see why anyone would change out the whole toilet now. This was so easy. Coated me only 26 bux

[@colecole4638]

Right y are ppl worried about MUSIC..????It's LIKE .really

[@DougHinVA]

replace the flapper mechanism with one just like the old one that leaks... The exact replacement will likely have ALL the parts in a kit. . The flapper lets water into the bowl to flush and keeps water in the upper tank by NOT leaking... DIY is a lot cheaper than a plumber visit!

[@bebetigre1252]

Wait u didn’t explain how to fix

[@UnderMyBrim]

Yeah that’s annoying but to be fair he did say diagnosing not fixing lol

[@puppuffpastry]

My toilet does not have the rubber cap bit. I twisted and lifted the plastic bit..but..there is nothing

[@RealEstateStiles]

There are some other designs, but I'm not really familiar with those. Maybe make a video of what you are working with and post it to your channel for feedback. Best of luck.

[@kelvinconner7086]

Flapper not staying open for flushing

[@semajnetwork2986]

You didn't show how to fix it???????

[@sarahdiane24]

semaj Dozier title of video is to diagnose not fix, search for fix running toilet

[@lindaferster4848]

The problem could also be a failed valve seal (I found out from another KZbin video).

[@g4king11]

The flapper valve is sealed, but the valve stays partially open. Water keeps running into the overflow tube. I believe this video explains how to fix that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX-tZ5mig6l8j9U

[@playnejayne5550]

My toilet still is running, but I got to dance to a little funk.

[@RealEstateStiles]

At least we accomplished something ;-)

[@thelmagriffin5851]

Turn off the valve until you have someone that knows plumbing fix it that way your water bill won't be so high

[@bababooey1266]

I did a upper decker and all the water turned brown in the bowl

[@mos342]

I put food coloring in the tank; an hour later I noticed the water in the bowl change color. Changed the flapper. Problem still persists... help

[@macrolosses]

Might be the flush valve. Usually you should change flapper and flush valve at the same time.

[@phoenixfire4640]

I thought you were going to tell us how to fix it ourselves, I’m a tenant and I don’t want anybody coming into my home so I want to fix it myself

[@techcontinuum7421]

His second video is here: type these keywords into KZbin "real estate stiles how to fix your running toilet". (It should be the first video that shows up).

[@jakeb8298]

I got nothing dd not tell how to fix

[@aynoway82]

What happens if I flush it while its running?

[@maceyparker5513]

nothing special if the tank is full

[@vajrarobinson6347]

Gave you a like for your efforts Stiles. Pretty solid video. I personally didnt learn anything new but this is good info for the new homeowner who has no knowledge of such things. Sorry you have to take all this gruff from idiots who cant hear a clear voice over some funk music.

[@RealEstateStiles]

Thanks Vajra. It's funny how excited people can be about this stuff. All the best.

[@hessaeliana2117]

I am said new homeowner lol! This was helpful! The sound is driving me NUTS and I can’t wait to fix it. I love fixing things and feeling the sense of accomplishment. Love the food coloring idea!

[@dianneloeb-randolph1646]

Korry red flappers

[@sabrinawarren6117]

If the food coloring was in toilet bowl and I replaced the flapper and it’s still running what could it be

[@RealEstateStiles]

Hello Sabrina. It's hard to say what the exact solution is for your situation. However I know they do sell a flush valve seal that can be used if the flapper isn't making a tight seal all the way around. www.acehardware.com/departments/plumbing/toilets/toilet-repair-parts/4009155 Hope that helps.

[@RealEstateStiles]

Here is another example: www.homedepot.com/p/Fluidmaster-2-in-Universal-Flush-Valve-Repair-Kit-555CRP8/100569329

[@tanthony3895]

great video. thanks!!!!!!!

[@RealEstateStiles]

Thanks for watching.

[@slyspy9819]

What if I'm the plumber ?

[@greeneyes482]

Great tips but the music really kills my toilet fixing vibe...too loud, and very annoying.

[@RealEstateStiles]

Sorry about ruining your vibe. I'll do better next time :)

[@quianascott8627]

😂😂😂Exactly

[@QPham-nz5po]

what happens when the tube is cracked

[@RealEstateStiles]

It will likely leak and you will probably want to replace it. Best of luck.

[@walleyehunter8862]

Don't use yellow food coloring

[@proudveteran1003]

My response for this very smart video is....Ha-ha-ha-ha.

[@maryannchalmers3152]

Are you related to Lynn and Eileen stiles?!

[@obombabeenlaid5101]

Music and instructional videos don't mix

[@frankthetank1779]

Why everybody has to play music when they do a KZbin video?

[@RealEstateStiles]

It makes you feel like you're in a movie. At least fun was had. Enjoy.

[@robynwatt-dixon9438]

I like bro

[@RealEstateStiles]

+Guava Juice thanks.

[@michellem5647]

No my toilet has water running into it. Even after I’ve turned it off to toilet…it’s still hissing

[@annabell5183]

wish I could hear it over the music .. pls make you videos without the music ... it is very distracting ... thank you

[@Zeahappy]

I have a helpful $405 tip. Never Buy An American Standard Toilet.

[@angelajohnson6659]

Why does a toilet run? To get away from the sink.

[@JodBronson]

To get away from your sh!t! LOL

[@bonnie_nelms]

music is super annoying and distracting! I'm tuning in to troubleshoot toilet problems, id like to be able to hear and concentrate on whats being said, not that intrusive music

[@RealEstateStiles]

Sorry about that. Hope you were able to get the information you needed. All the best.

[@blomegoog]

video starts at 2:00

[@shirleyturner8579]

No music please

[@Zorya_Triglav]

Blink, dude, blink :)

[@deepakgulati8016]

Knock that music, Einstein....No, I have never used a toilet in my entire life !!!!!

[@robynwatt-dixon9438]

Know problem

[@JodBronson]

*If you are in the Winter - Cold Weather (Where you live), usually it's NOT leaking. If you see this message, ask me for the link. It will save you a lot of money + headaches!*

[@josephgonzales3857]

I went to fix my bathroom but couldn't keep up with it it ran faster than me lol

[@Sbrer]

Get rid of the music. It doesn’t add anything and takes away from the sound quality.

[@brianfergus839]

Music super annoying and unnecessary.

[@RealEstateStiles]

Sorry Brian. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but clearly I was wrong. I'm learning. :-) Thanks for watching.

[@brianfergus839]

Wow thanks for the return comment. You are a class act even if your choice of music was off the mark. ; )

[@davejohnson3093]

Lose the crapping music dude

[@RealEstateStiles]

Don't worry - the videos should get better with practice. All the best.

[@rodolfomelgoza4591]

Music has to go dude.

[@quinceyclayton9750]

Yeah didn’t help at all

[@bababooey1266]

:40. He taken a dump boy

[@tymxgrl]

Sorry, but the music is really annoying

[@privateer177666]

Why does my nose run and my feet smell?

[@RealEstateStiles]

Can't help you with that.

[@JodBronson]

Your nose " run " cause it doesn't like your face!

[@JodBronson]

Your Feet smell, cause you got dead Corns!

[@iluvbogs]

Hard to listen to you with the music on the background!!!!!

[@RealEstateStiles]

Sorry about that. I'm working on my audio / video skills. Appreciate the feedback.

[@dragonflyz1125]

Too much bow chicca bow bow music.

[@aliciagordon7236]

Kill the background music 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️

[@23TheMatt]

Music made this video useless

[@RodinThink28]

Is this a disco channel ? Lose the music

[@jer.z.3691]

Cant see anything fool