Did you know a running toilet can waste enough water to fill a swimming pool in a year? That constant trickling isn’t just annoying – it’s flushing money down the drain. At Hunt’s Services, we’ve helped thousands of Tacoma and Seattle homeowners stop this water-wasting problem quickly.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The 3 most common causes of running toilets.
- How to diagnose the problem in seconds
- Simple DIY fixes you can do in minutes.
- When it’s time to call a professional plumber
Whether you’re handy with tools or prefer to leave them to the experts, we’ll help you solve this common plumbing issue before it costs you more in wasted water.
Quick Test: Drop food coloring in your toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing within 10 minutes, you’ve got a leak that needs fixing!
How to Replace a Toilet Flapper (In 10-Minutes)
What You’ll Need:
- A new flapper (they cost about $5 − $10 at any hardware store)
- A pair of scissors
- A towel
Steps:
- Turn off the water supply using the valve behind your toilet.
- Flush the toilet to empty most of the water from the tank.
- Remove the old flapper by unhooking it from the chain and the overflow tube.
- Attach the new flapper in the same position.
- Turn the water back on and check your repair.
Helpful Tip: Make sure the chain has just a little slack — not too tight or too loose.
Adjusting the Fill Valve
If your toilet keeps refilling when no one has flushed it:
- Locate the fill valve (it’s usually on the left side inside the tank).
- Look for an adjustment screw or slider.
- Adjust it so the water stops about 1 inch below the overflow tube.
If adjusting doesn’t work, the fill valve may need replacing — and that’s where a licensed plumber in Tacoma + Seattle Area comes in.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Some repairs are too big for DIY fixes. Call Hunt’s Services if:
- You see water leaking onto the floor (could mean a cracked tank or bowl)
- The toilet keeps running after you’ve replaced the flapper.
- You’re not comfortable doing the repairs yourself.
At Hunt’s Services, our licensed plumbers in Tacoma and Seattle area, specialize in fast, affordable toilet repairs and plumbing services. We provide same-day plumbing repairs and upfront pricing. Call us today at 253-533-7500 to schedule your toilet repair and stop wasting water!
