How To Fix A Toilet That Doesn't Stop Running.

(Chapter 3 in 'home repair for the cheap and clueless')

Ok, so the garage makeover to the kid's rec room didn't turn out so bad. i can haz sk1llz. So how hard can it be to fix a toilet that doesn't stop running?
Answer: It can be cheap and easy...but don't count on it.

Often times you simply need to replace the flapper. These do wear out from time to time to the point that they don't seal adequately, eventually leaking out the contents of the tank until the water drops low enough to force a refill.
Flappers are relatively cheap and relatively easy to replace. Downside: There aren't many variations to these simple contraptions, but invariable you will almost always buy the wrong one on your first attempt. Allow yourself enough time to make this discovery and return it for the right one before the store closes. Also, some of these things leave a really nasty film on everything they touch. Plan on lots of soap and water for cleanup.


The next most common thing to go wrong is the handle lever that lifts the flapper. When this little two dollar item goes awry, it will likely cost you $200 by the time you have the problem fixed.
Step 1: the metal parts are always corroded (always buy plastic). spray some WD-40 on the threads so that you can build up the false hope that you will actually be able to disassemble the lever for replacement.
Step 2: with a wrench, attempt to loosen lever assembly until you hear a crack in the porcelain tank and the sound of 3 gallons of water rushing onto the bathroom floor.
Step 3: Quickly locate water supply valve to the toilet and turn it off. Some of the new valves are plastic and will likely strip before you can shut the water off tightly (always buy metal).
Step 4: Quickly go outside the house, locate the water supply line to the house and shut off the water to the entire house. Award yourself 20 pts for each running appliance that uses water - dishwasher, clothes washing machine, etc. Award yourself an extra 50pts if somebody is in the middle of a shower.
Step 5: See instructions on changing flapper for changing out water supply valve to toilet. Upside: Not as messy. Downside: you won't be able to find a wrench that will fit.
Step 6: Do not attempt to repair a porcelain tank, it simply will not be waterproof. Save yourself the time and frustration, bite the bullet and purchase a new tank.
Step 7: If you're a resident of California, you can take this opportunity to learn a little known fact: You can no longer purchase 3 gallon toilet tanks. Congratulations, you get to buy a completely new toilet.
Step 8: Call a plumber. If you have completed steps 1 through 7 on your own, this step is really essential. You've already spent $200 on a new toilet in order to fix a $5 part. It's time to spend $100 on a plumber to minimize the number of $200 toilets you'll need to purchase to complete this repair.