How To Fix A Running Toilet Without A Ball Float

Plumbing issues can arise at any moment in your home. Homeowners often don’t have time to pay attention to anything related to a toilet unless there is a glaring need. There are so many varieties of toilets available, that once you purchase a new home, you almost certainly need to become familiar with the toilet styles or types in the home you have purchased. If you haven’t become an expert on your toilets then you might want to look under the toilet tank lid. The mechanical system could tell you everything that you need to know. How to fix a running toilet without a ball float? Depending on the fill-valve that is installed and if it has a ball float changes the repair.

Let’s take a look below at what a ball float is and how it is different for each toilet flushing system.

What Is A Ball Float

In all cases, a ball float is simply a metal arm extended out from the fill valve that happens to have a balloon-like ball attached to the end of it. As the water fills up in the tank, the ball float elevates the metal arm and determines that the water line has been met, and shuts off the filling of the toilet tank after that. You can consider the ball float to be a regulator of water levels in the toilet tank. The majority of newer fill valves do not operate with a ball float.

What Am I Replacing

Believe it or not, how to fix a running toilet without a ball float, will likely be due to the fill valve needing to be replaced. Let’s take a look below at what types of fill valves are available.

• Older fill valve styles – require you to turn off your water supply and drain the tank. Squeeze the ball float adjustment clip to make sure the float cup is moved. Adjust the float cup down an inch. Release the adjustment clip and turn the water back on.
• Newer fill valve styles -shut off the water supply valve and drain the tank. Turn the screw at the top of the toilet fill valve float arm counterclockwise to reduce the level of water. Turn the water supply back on and watch for the water to reach the overflow tube. Readjust the float cup as needed.

Always remember that on a modern toilet you might end up with a dual flush toilet and the fill valve assembly is a little more comprehensive. If your toilet is constantly running then the water flowing into the tank does know what the adjusted water level is. You will have to make sure that if you have a floating ball or a ball valve you replace the unit so that the toilet doesn’t keep running and the refill tube has the proper water levels.

Other Areas To Check

When it comes to toilets there are many working parts. If the fill valve is not the main culprit, then you might need to replace the rubber flapper. The flapper is the piece that elevates when the arm of the flushing mechanism lifts the metal chain up and tugs on the rubber flapper to open. In some cases, there are areas to look at. Let’s take a look.

• Double check the chain length – if the chain length is too short, the rubber flapper will never close properly.
• Gasket replacement – if the rubber gasket that meets the rubber flapper is totally worn, it is time to replace it. Allowing water to slowly escape through the flapper can cause a loss of water and an increased electric bill.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you know more about toilets, let’s take a look at a few other areas of maintenance in the bathroom.

One of those is a clogged toilet. It is annoying when the toilet clogs and it could be a few reasons. A clogged toilet is caused by a clogged drain, a blocked vent pipe, a higher float, or a septic tank that is full (if you have one). It is a good idea to contact a professional if you aren’t able to figure it out.

Another area is the sink. If you are finding that you have low water pressure in the kitchen or bathroom sink, this could be because of a clogged line or worn down parts. You may need a plumber to help with this if you are unsure of what to do.

Lastly, if you need to replace your toilet tank, most are universal. However, you do need to make sure you know what type of toilet you have as well as the length, width, and depth. This will ensure you have the right size for your bathroom.

When Do I Call A Professional

Anytime you are dealing with plumbing concerns, it is a great idea to reach out to your local master plumber. A master plumber will be able to troubleshoot your noisy or running toilet concerns rather quickly. If you aren’t sure who is reputable in the area, reach out to your local home inspection team. Not only can they inspect your entire plumbing system, but they can also offer up a reputable recommendation for you to call on. When it comes to a running toilet, a quote and recommendation are key.

Conclusion

If the toilet becomes noisy, it could become a nuisance. If you aren’t sure how to fix it or if the problem will persist, then reach out to your local home inspection team. Also, if low water pressure occurs and it keeps you from flushing your toilets properly, then reach out to your local home inspection team for a plumbing system inspection. Call on Advantage Inspections to have a plumbing inspection conducted here in West Central, Florida.