View Full Version : Toilet refills every few minutes
tmmarx
Oct 16, 2012, 05:43 PM
After flushing, the bowl fills and the water going in the tank stops. About every 15 minutes, I hear the tank filling again. I think it is continuing to slowly run into the bowl and therefore need to refill the tank. What do I need to do?
massplumber2008
Oct 16, 2012, 06:11 PM
Hi Tmmarx
You need to start by replacing the FLAPPER. Here, it sounds like water is leaking by the old flapper and this causes the fill valve to refill the tank periodically.
Stick with the manufacturer's specific replacement flapper, if possible (take the old flapper to a local plumbing supply house).
I you want to test this, take 20 drops of a dark food coloring and drip it into the toilet tank and see if the colored water shows into the toilet BOWL over time. If colored water shows up, the flapper or the entire flush valve assembly may need to be replaced. Start with the flapper... let us know what you discover...
Mark
speedball1
Oct 17, 2012, 06:37 AM
Great advice from Massplumber. Another way to check would be to run your fingers around the flat side of the flapper. If it feels rough or wavy then replace the flapper. Now run your finger nail around the seat, If you feel rough spots or nicks replace the flush valve. Also check the linkage from the flapper, It should have 1/4" of play when the flapper's seated. Too tight and you have a leak. Good luck, Tom