Blog Layout

Bathroom Plumbing Tips

In the bathroom, one of the main sources of trouble is the toilet. If your toilet is running constantly or flushing randomly when no one is around, check the flapper valve at the bottom of the tank to make sure there is a good seal. Chances are that the seal is inadequate and water is constantly leaking from the tank into the bowl. This valve is quite easy to replace and you will be surprised how much water you can save by doing so.

Adjust the Lift Chain

Start by jiggling the toilet handle. If this stops the running adjust the lift chain inside the tank. The chain “may” be wrapped around the lift arm and you may need to move the position of the chain on the arm.

Simply disconnect the hook from its slot and reconnect at the next slot on the float arm, and if this doesn’t work check to see if the float has become disconnected. The top of the float should be slightly above the water’s level. If it’s not adjust the arm on the float until the float rests where the water level is about 1/2″ below the top of the overflow pipe.

Check for Leaks with a Dye Tablet

If the toilet is flowing freely, try using a dye tablet (available at hardware of plumbing supply stores). Simply flush and as the water in the tank begins to fill, drop in the tablet. If your tank is leaking you’ll begin to see the water in the bowl turn the color of the tablet. Plain old food coloring also works for an ‘old school’ do-it-yourselfer!

Sometimes the flapper valve is the culprit and doesn’t seal the tank properly. This should be easy to fix. Turn off the shut-off valve below the tank and flush the toilet to “empty” it. Remove the flapper and replace it with a new one. If the flapper valve seat is cracked, you’ll have to replace the whole unit, which Duncan Plumbing Solutions can help you install. We are happy to replace your flapper valve.

Check the Ball-Cock Assembly

If the flapper valve and seat seem to be in good working order and your toilet is still running, the ball-cock assembly may need replacing. First empty the tank and then replace using a ball-cock assembly kit. Duncan Plumbing Solutions is happy to replace your leaky float ball or replace your faulty ballcock.

The post How to Fix a Running Toilet appeared first on Duncan Plumbing Solutions.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Spring into Action: Don't Let Water Leaks Rain on Your Parade!

26 Apr, 2024

A drop in water pressure or a high-water bill are both signs you have sprung a leak! Don't let an unexpected leak spring up on you!

Summer Hydration

01 Apr, 2024

Summer is fast approatching and staying hydrated during the warm summer months is crucial for overall health. Let’s explore some informative facts and tips to help you stay hydrated.

Toilet Shopping? Dive into the Throne Zone: Your Guide to Toilet Styles

25 Mar, 2024

Ah, the humble toilet. It's the unsung hero of the bathroom, quietly doing its duty while we go about our daily lives. But hey, don't let its modesty fool you! The toilet has the power to transform your bathroom from bland to grand. So, if you're in the market for a new loo, buckle up because we're about to take a whirlwind tour of the three toilet styles you need to know about: wall-hung, close-coupled, and back-to-wall.

Are Flushable Wipes Really Safe to Flush?

18 Mar, 2024

If you use flushable wipes, you may wonder if they are really safe to flush down the toilet. After all, they are marketed as flushable and septic safe, and they seem to disappear after you flush them. However, you may be surprised to learn that flushable wipes are not as harmless as they appear. In fact, they can cause serious problems for your plumbing system and the environment.

Common Household Items That Should Never Go Down The Drain

11 Mar, 2024

Have you ever wondered what happens to the things you pour down the drain or flush down the toilet? You might think they just disappear, but in fact, they can cause serious problems for your pipes, your sewer system, and the environment. Some items can clog your pipes, damage your plumbing, or create backups in your home or neighborhood. Others can pollute the waterways, harm wildlife, or contaminate drinking water sources. Here are six common household items that you should never put down the drain and how to dispose of them safely instead.

Spring Break Water Safety Tips

04 Mar, 2024

As spring break approaches, prioritizing water safety is crucial, whether you’re planning a beach getaway or a poolside vacation. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable spring break for you and your family.

Why Your Plumber Won't Quote a Price Over the Phone: An Inside Look

09 Feb, 2024

As a homeowner faced with the ever-constant need for plumbing services, you've likely come across the somewhat frustrating response from plumbers when you request a cost estimate over the phone: "It depends." While it may seem like an evasion tactic, there's a world of complex reasons behind why plumbers always defer from giving you a rock-solid price without physically seeing the issue at hand. In this article, we unravel the intricacies of plumbing pricing and shed light on why this seemingly vague response is more about integrity and professionalism than mere inconvenience to you, the customer.

Shower or Bath: Which Truly Drenches Our Water Supply?

02 Feb, 2024

Water is a precious resource that sustains life, and as conscientious homeowners, we're increasingly aware of the need to conserve it. Each time we embark on the daily ritual of cleansing, we have an opportunity to make a choice that can significantly impact water consumption: shower or bath? In this blog post, we'll dive into the considerable depths of water usage between these two common household activities to determine which is the more watertight option for you and the environment.

Tackling Post-Shower Itch: Unveiling the Benefits of Water Softeners

26 Jan, 2024

Hard water can turn a refreshing shower into a skin-itching nightmare. But fear not. The antidote to this less-than-ideal situation can be found in water softeners, a remarkable solution that can turn your hard-water woes around. In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of hard water - what it is, why it can be problematic, and how water softeners can be your saving grace, transforming your water and your overall shower experience.

Winterizing Your Plumbing: Protecting Your Pipes from Frosty Woes

12 Jan, 2024

As winter sets in and temperatures drop, it's essential to take proactive measures to winterize your plumbing. The frigid weather can wreak havoc on your pipes, both inside and outside your home. Frozen pipes can lead to expensive repairs and water damage. In this blog, we'll explore how to protect your plumbing by winterizing outside faucets and preventing pipes from freezing inside your house.