Tips For Troubleshooting And Repairing Toilet Problems

I. Problem:

  • Noisy tank fill

Possible Causes:

  • Defective inlet-valve assembly
  • Restricted water supply

Possible Fixes:

  • Oil trip lever, replace faulty washers, or install new inlet-valve assembly
  • Adjust shutoff valve

II. Problem:

  • Running toilet

Possible Causes:

  • Float arm not rising high enough
  • Water-filled float ball
  • Tank stopper not seating correctly
  • Corroded flush valve seat
  • Cracked overflow tube
  • Inlet valve doesn’t shut off

Possible Fixes:

  • Bend float arm down or away from tank wall
  • Replace ball
  • Adjust stopper guide rod and left wires or chain
  • Replace defective stopper
  • Scour valve seat or replace it altogether
  • Replace tube or install new flush-valve assembly
  • Oil trip lever, replace faulty washers, or install new inlet-valve assembly

III. Problem:

  • Clogged toilet

Possible Causes:

  • Blockage in drain

Possible Fixes:

IV. Problem:

  • Inadequate flush

Possible Causes:

  • Faulty linkage between handle and trip lever
  • Tank stopper closes before tank empties
  • Leak between tank and bowl
  • Clogged flush passages

Possible Fixes:

  • Tighten setscrew on handle linkage, or replace handle assembly
  • Adjust stopper guide rod and left wires or chain
  • Tighten tank bolts or couplings, or replace gasket
  • Clear obstructions from passages with wire

V. Problem:

  • Sweating tank

Possible Causes:

  • Condensation

Possible Fixes: