Know Your Parts to Fix a Leaking Toilet

Refill Tube

Replaces water in bowl after flush. If toilet runs intermittently, check that tube’s end is above water level in tank.

Ball Cock

On/off valve regulated by float ball fills tank and bowl after flush. If toilet runs intermittently, ball cock could be faulty and may need to be replaced.

Float Cup

When it comes time to retire an old ball-cock flush mechanism, the all-in-one plastic replacements stocked by home centers make for an easy fix. Float-cup mechanisms go in quickly and adjust easily for simple repairs.

Float Ball

Shuts off ball cock when water filling tank reaches correct level.

Chain

Opens flapper at beginning of flush. If toilet runs constantly, check that chain isn’t too short or long, thus interfering with flapper closing.

Overflow Tube

Prevents tank from overflowing. If tank water is constantly draining into tube, bend arm of float ball down slightly or lower float cup on replacement fill-valve assembly.

Flapper

Lifts to let tank water flow into bowl. If toilet runs intermittently, scrub mineral deposits off it (or flush-valve seat under it) to tighten seal. If that doesn’t help, replace it.

Gasket

Seals connection between tank and bowl.

Wax Ring

Seals connection between bottom of toilet and drain. If water leaks out base of bowl, replace ring.

Closet Bolt

Holds bowl to flange. If toilet rocks, tighten nuts attached to these bolts. To avoid cracking bowl, secure no more than a quarter-turn past finger-tight.

Closet Flange

Anchors toilet to floor and connects to drain pipe.

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