Repairs and adjustments to household toilets are usually minor and within the capabilities of the do-it yourself home repair person. An intermittent run of water may indicate a faulty outlet valve which is a rubber flapper with a built in float. This can be easily replaced by taking the worn, old rubber flapper to a home center, hardware store, or plumbing supply store for correct replacement. A continuous run of water is usually a sign that the ballcock or float valve, the device that controls the amount of water entering the tank, needs adjustment or replacement. To adjust, remove the lid and flush the toilet. As the tank refills with water, check to make sure the water shuts off about one inch below the overflow opening. On most toilets this is indicated by a long tube or hole about one inch in diameter at the top of the tank. If the water is not shutting off, lower the float or ballcock. Depending upon the style of toilet tank valve, this will be done with either an adjustment screw, adjustment clip, or by bending the ballcock support rod. If none of the adjustments seem to work, the toilet tank valve may need replacement. A local hardware or plumbing supply store will be able to provide you with a new toilet tank valve adaptable to almost all tank style toilets. Follow the directions on the new valve for replacement. A leak from the base of the toilet indicates the wax bowl gasket may have lost its seal. This repair requires removing the toilet completely and should be done by a plumber. For more information on toilet repair, contact a hardware store, a plumbing supply store, or a plumber.
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