HOME & FAMILY

Leaky Toilet: Do It Yourself

Most of the repairs for toilet problems do not require you to dismantle the toilet bowl or tank. The following videos cover the main issues that can cause continuous running, periodic mystery flushing, or failure to flush entirely.

How-to videos by problem

Worn-out flapper valve

This video shows you how to repair a toilet that keeps running due to a worn-out flapper valve.

Thanks to Home Repair Tutor for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube ↗ Worn toilet flapper letting tank water seep into the flush valve opening

Faulty fill valve

This video shows you how to replace a faulty fill valve.

Thanks to Atlanta Habitat for Humanity for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube ↗ Line drawing of a toilet fill valve inside the tank, showing the parts you adjust or replace to stop a running toilet.

Phantom flushing

This video shows you how to stop a toilet that flushes by itself (a phantom flush) by checking the water level and chain and replacing the flapper.

Thanks to Ace Hardware for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube ↗ Cutaway line drawing of a toilet tank showing the flapper, flush valve, and fill valve that cause phantom flushing.

Toilet won't flush

This video shows you how to fix a toilet that won't flush, whether the handle nut is loose, the lever arm is broken, or the chain has come off.

Thanks to Family Handyman for the YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube ↗ Line drawing of a toilet tank with the flush handle, lift chain, and flapper, showing the chain to check when a toilet won't flush.

Easy fix, big savings

Fixing a problem with your toilet is usually pretty easy and will save you a ton of money compared to calling a plumber.

Where to next?

Back: Leaky Faucet DIY Start over: Water Leaks at Home Next: Water Line Leaks

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