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Running Toilet

A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a day. The cause is usually a worn flapper.

Supplies you’ll need

• ☐ Replacement flapper (match your toilet's brand)
• ☐ Towel and small bucket
• ☐ Sponge
• ☐ Food coloring for the leak test

Steps

1. Do the dye test. Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If color shows in the bowl after 15 minutes, the flapper leaks.
2. Shut off the water. Turn the valve behind the toilet clockwise, then flush to empty the tank.
3. Remove the old flapper. Unhook it from the overflow tube ears and the chain from the flush lever.
4. Install the new flapper. Clip it on the ears and attach the chain with about half an inch of slack.
5. Restore water and test. Open the valve slowly, let the tank fill and flush twice, watching that the flapper seals.

Cleanup

• Sponge up spills around the base.
• Wipe the tank rim and rinse the dye with a flush.