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-   -   Toilet continuously running when faucet used (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=103214)

  • Jun 21, 2007, 01:29 PM
    tdef
    Toilet continuously running when faucet used
    My toilet was running continuously so I turned off the water valve. When I turned back on the water valve the toilet didn't run. When I flushed the toilet, it flushed normally and didn't run. Many hours went by w/ no running.

    BUT when I turned on the cold water faucet near the toilet, the toilet immediately started its continuous running.
  • Jun 21, 2007, 03:10 PM
    speedball1
    Pull the lid and check the water level. It should be 1/2" under the top of the white overflow tube when the tank's full. Let me know. Good luck, Tom
  • Jun 21, 2007, 03:14 PM
    tdef
    The water level is just up to the tall fixture on the left. Thank you.
  • Jun 21, 2007, 03:54 PM
    speedball1
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tdef
    The water level is just up to the tall fixture on the left. Thank you.

    You haven't answered my question which was Pull the lid and check the water level. It should be 1/2" under the top of the white overflow tube when the tank's full. What fixture? To the left of what? If you're telling me the water comes right up to the top of the white overflow tube it's set too high.
    Regards, Tom
  • Jun 21, 2007, 04:07 PM
    tdef
    I'm sorry. I just looked at a picture of a toilet so should be able to answer questions more knowledgeably.

    The water level is exactly at the top of the overflow so I presume (from your msg) that it is set too high. In which case, how would I then set it lower?

    Thank you again,
    Tara
  • Jun 22, 2007, 07:28 AM
    speedball1
    Hi Tara,

    To lower the tank level to 1/2" under the white overflow tube you graspt one end of the float ball rod next to the ballcock and the other hand just ahead of the float ball, (do not grasp the float ball as it will break at the threads.)
    Now, with both hands, bend the float ball rod down. The more you bend it the lower the level will drop. A little practice and you'll get the hang of it.
    Good luck, Tom
  • Jun 24, 2007, 08:36 AM
    tdef
    Tom, I looked again and the water level is a decent 1/2 inch below.

    I have found a way to stop the water from continuously running and wanted to ask how to do it permanently.

    It doesn't seem to have a ball/cock. It has an almost black cup looking system that goes vertically up and down. When it is running constantly, I found that all I have to do is push this cup below the water level and it stops running. (It's almost as if it never gets a signal that the tank has filled up. As though the water never gets above this cup mechanism.) The cup is black and cylindrical (I can't see any pictures on the web w/ it to be able to name it) and rides up and down a tube.

    Hope this describes the problem better.

    Thanks Tara
  • Jun 24, 2007, 10:02 AM
    speedball1
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tdef
    Tom, I looked again and the water level is a decent 1/2 inch below.

    I have found a way to stop the water from continuously running and wanted to ask how to do it permanently.

    It doesn't seem to have a ball/cock. It has an almost black cup looking system that goes vertically up and down. When it is running constantly, I found that all I have to do is push this cup below the water level and it stops running. (It's almost as if it never gets a signal that the tank has filled up. As though the water never gets above this cup mechanism.) The cup is black and cylindrical (I can't see any pictures on the web w/ it to be able to name it) and rides up and down a tube.

    Hope this describes the problem better.

    Thanks Tara

    Sounds like you have a FluidMaster ballcock,(see image). Next time it starts to run gently pull up on the float can and see if it doesn't stop. I'm still not quite sure what you problem is. On the one hand you tell me there's 1/2" of distance between the tank level and in the next you tell me the ballcock won't stop running. To make the ballcock shut off earlier you will see two small metal clips securing the float can to the wire. Squeeze the clips band lower the float can and see if that doesn't help. Good luck, Tom
  • Jun 24, 2007, 12:38 PM
    tdef
    Thanks Tom, that's exactly the correct diagram. When you say, "two small metal clips securing the float can to the wire" is the clip referring to the water-level-adjustment-clip in the picture? I'm not sure what you meant by "wire".

    I looked at the water level twice when you asked me. The first time it was exactly level to the flush level but the second, and subsequent times, it is 1/2 inch lower. I'm not sure why there is a difference since I haven't done any 'repairs' yet.

    Again, thank you for your thorough responses to my lame attempt at describing and analysing a plumbing problem.

    Tara
  • Jun 24, 2007, 02:14 PM
    speedball1
    Slide the float can down a bit using the adjustment clip. That will lower the level in the tank and, hopefully, solve your problem. You're not lame at all Tara, When you get through with this at least you'll iknow more about toilets then you ever wanted to. Cheers, Tom

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