Bathroom Archives - Castle Remodel

How To Stop A Toilet From Running

Kevin — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 04:57:07 +0000

Knowing how to stop a toilet from running is a quick and simple process. You don’t need any special tools, and replacement parts are inexpensive. If you are not a diy, hands on type you can still fix a running toilet yourself. Follow the process in this article instead of paying an expensive plumber.

There is a chance that after you try all the options in this article, your toilet is at a point that it needs to be replaced. You will know this after you fix it and another problem comes back a little later.

The good news is changing a toilet is not difficult. Take a look at this article on How To Install A Toilet By Yourself. I walk you through the steps on switching out your toilet yourself. This is another project that isn’t complicated.

Diagnosing The Problem

Parts Of A Toilet

Toilet Keeps Running Randomly

Toilet Runs Constantly

Toilet Keeps Running After Flush

How To Stop a Running Toilet in Seconds

How To Fix A Running Toilet

How To Fix A Running Toilet With A Button Flush

Frequently Asked Questions

Diagnosing The Problem

Toilet Runs After Flush

The reason for this is the flush valve is not going back down after the flush. There can be more than one reason for this, but they are easy to find.

Toilet Runs Constantly

This happens when the float is sitting higher than the overflow pipe. If the float is unable to do its job properly, it will not turn the water supply off.

Toilet Runs Randomly

This symptom happens because the flapper/flush valve gasket is faulty. There are more than one reason for this, and there are more than one solutions to this.

Parts Of A Toilet

There are more than one type of toilet out there. They all have similar parts, and work basically the same way. Once you understand the components that make a toilet work, you will understand more about how they may fail and cause the toilet to run. Most of the parts below are in every toilet style. The flapper and fill valve gasket serve similar functions but are different parts. And the other parts can look different but have the same functions.

Fill Valve

The fill valve is a vertical pipe with a valve at the top. It regulates the water flowing into the tank. It is designed to shut the water off when the float gets to a certain height.

Float

The float is a piece that rises with the water level. As it reaches a certain height it shuts off the water flowing out of the fill valve. The height of the water level can be adjusted by raising or lowering the float.

Float Adjustment

All floats have a way to adjust them. The floats on a newer fill valve generally have an adjustment screw. If turned to one direction it raises the float height, and the other direction lowers it. If your float is the type that is connected to a metal rod you will grip the rod with both hands, and bend it in the direction you want it to go.

Overflow Pipe

The overflow pipe is a requirement for all toilets. In the event of the fill valve malfunctioning, the overflow pipe transfers water to the toilet bowl instead of overflowing the tank. The height of this pipe should be below the tank rim. The water level height should be between one quarter of an inch and one inch below the top of the overflow pipe.

Flapper

The flapper is a rubber piece that is connected at the base of the overflow pipe. It is used for some toilet designs to create a watertight seal in the opening of the bottom of the tank. It is connected with a chain to the handle, which raises the flapper whenever the toilet is flushed.

Flush Valve Gasket

The flush valve gasket is a piece that has a similar function to a flapper, but on a different toilet design. Flush valves are a more compact stack that the gasket goes around, unlike a flapper that is offset.

Handle

The handle is the portion of a toilet that we use to flush when necessary. Inside the tank the handle is connected to the flapper or flush valve with a chain.

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Toilet Keeps Running Randomly

There are a handful of reasons why a toilet keeps running randomly. You can narrow the investigation to a few key parts. All of these parts will be located in the toilet tank. This is the rectangular portion that is closest to the wall and higher than the bowl. Begin by taking the lid off the tank.

Inside the tank are several parts designed to work together. If one of these parts stop working right it may be the reason for the toilet running. Let’s take a look at the different parts of a toilet, and what their functions are. This can help you understand what you are looking for.

Toilet Runs Constantly

The number one reason why a toilet runs constantly is because the float is set at a higher level than the top of the overflow pipe. This causes the water to spill into the bowl, keeping the water flowing and not shutting off. The fix for this is simple and does not need replacement parts.

The solution to this problem is to adjust the height of the float so that the water level in the tank is below the top of the overflow pipe. The way to do this depends on the style of float your toilet uses. You want the water level to sit ¼ to 1 inch below the top of the overflow pipe.

If it’s a ball float you can adjust the height with your hands. Grip the bar holding the float with both hands and bend the side closer to the float towards the ground. Flush the toilet and check the water height to verify you have it at a good position.

The other type of float adjustment has a thumb screw facing up. You can turn it by hand to lower the float. If you have trouble turning it by hand you can use a screwdriver.

Toilet Keeps Running After Flush

This happens because the flapper or flush valve is not going down at the right time after the flush. This could be because the chain is twisted or kinking. Take the chain off the handle and straighten it out.

If the flapper is the issue you may need to change the flush assembly.

How To Stop a Running Toilet in Seconds

The first thing you can check is if the flapper or the flush gasket has some sort of buildup. Over time a film can form on the surfaces of the tank. If this film is on the flapper or gasket it can cause the toilet to run.

To check this, reach your hand in the tank and lift the flapper/gasket. Wipe off around the base of the flapper as best you can. Do the same thing to the surface that the flapper sits on when resting.

You want to feel the condition of the flapper or gasket to see if it is brittle or cracked. If so it is time to replace it. This is a simple process that is outlined in the video above.

This is a common possibility that causes a toilet to run. It should be the first thing you check, because it is a simple solution to the problem. If this isn’t the issue you can move onto the next step of finding the problem.

How To Fix A Running Toilet

One way to diagnose the problem is when the toilet is running you can wiggle the handle. If this causes the problem to stop, chances are the flush valve or overflow assembly needs to be replaced (depending on the type of toilet you have). When you lift the lid, check if the chain connecting the handle to the flush valve is straight and not kinked.

If you notice there are signs of the flapper or flush valve gasket in bad condition, you should change this.

This can be done by removing the tank from the bowl via the two connection screws. You can either take the assembly off and bring it to the hardware store to purchase a new one, or you can take a picture and bring that with you. Write down the brand of the toilet as well, and try to match that to the part you get.

There is also a chance that the float is positioned too high. This would cause the water level to be higher than the overflow pipe. This will cause water to spill into the toilet bowl constantly. Fix this problem by bending the arm that holds the float downward. This should lower the water level to a reasonable height.

How To Fix A Running Toilet With A Button Flush

A toilet with a button flush has different parts than the toilets listed above, but they work the same way. You will want to troubleshoot in a similar fashion as above, and work on the necessary parts.

If you need to change any parts, aim at purchasing parts by the same manufacturer as your toilet, or ones that are compatible with your brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you fix a toilet that keeps running?

The main cause for this problem is the float is at a level that is too high to shut off the water before it flows into the bowl. The steps to fix this problem are listed above in the section titled Toilet Runs Constantly.

What are the most common causes of a running toilet?

One common cause that causes a toilet to run is a film that has covered the flapper. If enough of this film covers the underside of it, there will be water that runs from the tank to the bowl. This is simple to fix and needs no new parts. Another common issue is the flapper is old and brittle. The cracks in it will cause the water to run as well. This requires a new flapper to be installed.

Why won’t the water stop running into my toilet?

There are several reasons why the water is running in your toilet. They are outlined above. You may want to go through the process outlined in this article to troubleshoot the problem and fix the issue.

Why is my toilet running after I flush?

The toilet runs after the flush because the flapper or flush valve is stuck in an up position longer than it should after the flush. The solution to this is listed above in the section titled Toilet Keeps Running After Flush. Follow these steps to troubleshoot and solve the issue.

Is it bad if my toilet keeps running?

A running toilet can be a sign of a larger issue. You will want to fix the problem in order to save money on your water bill if nothing else. Fixing the issue doesn’t take long, and most likely isn’t expensive. Start at the top of this article and follow the steps to fixing the issue to this problem.

Conclusion

Stopping a toilet from running isn’t difficult. It is a quick fix that is easy to troubleshoot. If you follow along with this article, you will solve the problem of having a running toilet. I hope this article helped.

Thank you for reading this article. Here at Castle Remodel I am dedicated to helping you build your castle.

You got this,

Kevin

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How To Unclog A Bathroom Sink | 5 Best Ways To Unclog A Sink

Kevin — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 04:11:47 +0000

Knowing how to unclog a bathroom sink is useful information to have. There are countless methods out there, and some of them can destroy your home’s plumbing. The good news is there are a few ways to unclog a sink that is safe for your home’s plumbing. Keep reading this article to get a complete list of 100% safe ways to unclog a bathroom sink.

Why Does The Sink Get Clogged?

Aside from the kitchen, the bathroom is the most frequently used room in your home. And the sink is the most frequently used part of the bathroom. Everything from getting ready in the morning, to washing your hands before you leave are all done with the sink. That means a lot more than just water goes down that drain.

It’s common for shaving cream, toothpaste, and a lot more to be rinsed down the bathroom sink. This stuff can build up in the drain over time, causing a bottleneck to take place. The solution for a clogged sink is to find a way to remove this bottleneck and get the water flowing again.

How To Unclog A Bathroom Sink With Standing Water

Standing water is a sure sign there is a problem. The first thing you can try is to use a plunger. This is the least invasive method because it only uses pressurized air and water to move the clog.

It might seem a bit weird putting your toilet plunger in the sink. That’s why they make these sink plungers that are designed specifically for this job. The downside to using one of these plungers is if the clog is too far down, and you have an overflow hole in your sink, the plunger will just move the pressure out of this hole.

These types of plungers work best if the clog is right at the drain in the sink. If the clog is lower than that try plugging up the overflow hole with a rag or something like that. Don’t use toilet paper because some of it may break off and make the problem worse. Your goal is to move enough of the clog so the water moves out of the basin. If you drain the sink you can move on to the next method.

Clean Out The P-Trap

The p-trap is a curved section of pipe that is below the sink. It is what the water drains through on its way out of your home. The curve in this section of pipe tends to get clogged as the stuff in the water slows down and settles.

Bear in mind it’s pretty gross in this pipe, so if you are squeamish you may want to skip this option of unclogging the sink. To remove the p-trap start off by clearing out enough of the items below the sink to be able to work under there. You will need to access the back wall where the pipe goes into the wall.

Use a pair of adjustable pliers that the jaws open wider than 1-½ inches. Loosen the nuts at both ends of the p trap. Once they get started with the pliers you should be able to finish loosening them by hand. Pay attention to how these nuts came off because you will be putting them back the same way.

When the nuts are completely loosened you will slide the pipe out of the back wall and take it out from under the sink completely. Inspect the inside of it to see if it’s clogged. You may want to take it outside and use the hose to clean it out if this is an option. If not, take it to the kitchen sink to try to unclog it with water. Use something like a bottle brush if you have one to try to remove the clog.

Install it back under the bathroom sink when you are done with the p trap. If this wasn’t the problem, and the clog is further down we can try the next method.

How To Unclog A Bathroom Sink Clogged With Hair

This method requires you to have access to a garden hose nearby. You will start by removing the p trap like in the previous method. Attach a Drain King to the end of the garden hose. Place it into the pipe coming out of the wall. You want to get it in there far enough to where it’s completely in the pipe plus a few extra inches.

Turn the hose on the full amount. This works best if you have someone else helping you so one of you can hold the end of the hose in place and the other can control the water.

Let the water run for several minutes. The Drain King will expand with water and form a seal in the pipe. The pressure will force the hair clog to move through the pipe. You want to let the hose run long enough to where it frees up the clog and moves it all the way through the pipe. Otherwise it may just stop and form another clog further down.

How To Unclog A Bathroom Sink With Vinegar And Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda are ingredients many people have in their home. This is one method for unclogging a drain, but isn’t always the best. Let’s try it to see if it works.

Start off by boiling a pot of water to use in a bit. You then want to mix one cup of baking soda with one cup of vinegar and one cup of water.

Once the pot of water is boiling, carry it to the bathroom and pour it down the drain. Be careful not to spill it as you carry it from the kitchen to the bathroom. After you pour it down the drain start another pot of water boiling.

After the water is poured down, get the baking soda solution and dump this down the drain. Plug up the sink drain and the overflow for 5-10 minutes using the drain plug and/or wash towels.

When the next pot of water is done boiling you can dump it down the drain. This process is meant to clear the clog from the drain. Hopefully it worked, but if not, let’s try the next option.

How To Unclog A Bathroom Sink Naturally

One of the worst things you can do when trying to unclog your bathroom sink is to put harmful chemicals down your drain. Though they may be effective at dissolving the clog in your drain, they will also dissolve the pipes over time as well. This ends up being a much more harmful method than it’s worth.

There is one type of “chemical” that I can’t recommend enough. You can consider an enzyme as a microscopic life form that eats away at organic matter, making it easier to flush down the drain. When you put these enzymes into your plumbing pipes they end up reproducing and eating away at material that may cause future clogs before they have a chance to take hold.

There’s a product called Green Gobbler that uses these enzymes to help unclog the drain. There are several different versions of this product that are recommended for different types of applications. I prefer the original formula, but they also make an industrial strength formula that is great for situations like a kitchen sink that had too much grease put down it.

Read the directions for the product you choose. Each application has different instructions for use. If it doesn’t work completely at first go ahead and try it again in the next day or two.

Do not put boiling water down your sink after using the enzymes because it will kill them. You want to give them a chance to build up their population enough to do work long term.

How To Prevent A Bathroom Sink From Getting Clogged In The Future

The only way to completely prevent a bathroom sink from getting clogged is to not allow anything to go down it. The best way to do that is to use a sink strainer. What this will do is catch anything that would have gone down the drain otherwise.

The sink shroom is a bathroom sink strainer that you use in the place of the sink stopper that comes with the faucet. You would need to remove this in order to install the sink shroom.

It is easy to keep clean, letting you quickly clean it off when the sink begins to clog. To do this simply pull the sink shroom out of the drain hole, and use a wad of toilet paper to wipe it off. Then place it back in the drain hole.

Conclusion

Knowing how to unclog a bathroom sink without damaging the pipes is an important skill to have. The truth about it is some of these methods may not work on every type of clog. You most likely will be trying more than one of these methods to completely unclog your sink for good.

The truth is once you free the clog it’s good to take preventative actions. This will ensure you don’t have this problem again in the future.

I hope this article helped you with learning how to unclog a bathroom sink. Thanks for reading.

Happy Renovating,

Kevin

The post How To Unclog A Bathroom Sink | 5 Best Ways To Unclog A Sink appeared first on Castle Remodel.

Bathroom Archives - Castle Remodel

How To Stop A Toilet From Running

Contents

Toilet Runs After Flush

Toilet Runs Constantly

Toilet Runs Randomly

Parts Of A Toilet

Fill Valve

Float

Float Adjustment

Overflow Pipe

Flapper

Flush Valve Gasket

Handle

Toilet Keeps Running Randomly

Toilet Runs Constantly

Toilet Keeps Running After Flush

How To Stop a Running Toilet in Seconds

How To Fix A Running Toilet

How To Fix A Running Toilet With A Button Flush

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you fix a toilet that keeps running?

What are the most common causes of a running toilet?

Why won’t the water stop running into my toilet?

Why is my toilet running after I flush?

Is it bad if my toilet keeps running?

Conclusion

How To Unclog A Bathroom Sink | 5 Best Ways To Unclog A Sink

Why Does The Sink Get Clogged?

How To Unclog A Bathroom Sink With Standing Water

Clean Out The P-Trap

How To Unclog A Bathroom Sink Clogged With Hair

How To Unclog A Bathroom Sink With Vinegar And Baking Soda

How To Unclog A Bathroom Sink Naturally

How To Prevent A Bathroom Sink From Getting Clogged In The Future

Conclusion