Does anyone know anything about plumbing?

[RoxMonster]

So one of our toilets sounds like it's always running. When the toilet upstairs did that when we moved in, we had a plumber come out, and all he did was grab a part in his truck, and it was fixed quickly. It seems like this is probably a common and easy problem to fix.

Do you think this is something we could mosey into Home Depot for and ask someone there, buy the part ourselves and fix it? We can get a plumber out, but it's such a PITA with the dog, plus it's at least 100 bucks just to get him to come out. On the other hand, I don't want to ruin our toilet. So would you attempt a DIY fix or just suck it up and call the plumber?

[MWOS]

lol, youtube this, you'll be fine

[meggers5]

The cock-ball thing (lol ok that's not quite what it's called) in teh tank, that's attached to the chain, probably isn't going all the way back up after the toilet is flush. You might need to tighten it.

*I don't really know about plumbing

[dizzydee]

There is a rubber ring seal thingy at the bottom of the tank. Push down on it and see if it stops. A lot if the time it looses it's suction and needs replaces.

[ooglie26]

How is the flapper (that covers the hole in the bottom of the tank)? Those eventually start to decay and fall apart, causing the toilet to run. We replaced ours for a couple of bucks, in about 5 minutes.

[RoxMonster]

Thanks. I will tell H to look for the cock/ball thing when he gets home lol. At least you gave me some ideas of what could be wrong so we can check those things out first. Thanks

[dexteroni]

Yes, has DH fixed this at our house and at my mom's house. The part is cheap, like $15 - $20 or so.

[adamantium]

Open the tank and check the flapper. Its the rubber stopper at the bottom of the tank that is attacked to the chain. If it doesn't seal properly the water drains constantly and the tank continues to fill. The part can be purchased for $6. That is most likely the part that needs to be changed. It's really easy to do, I've done ours.

[MixedBerryJam]

Nov 13, 2013 18:45:56 GMT -5 @cse1960 said:

If it's always running, you need a new cock/ball thingie (or it needs to be adjusted.). Google this; the kind you buy will depend on the size of tank you have.

Take a photo of the inside of your tank before you head to hd. I always bring a photo of my situation and nine times out of ten it makes getting the right part much easier.

also if the floaty thing is at the wrong level, sometimes it can be fixed by bending the arm.

you now know the entire breadth of my plumbing knowledge.

[Norticprincess]

Make sure that the handle is still tight on the inside of the tank. Ours came loose and it would run after flushing.