The ball float of your toilet is vital for controlling the water supply. But not every toilet tank is built with a toilet float.
If you need a DIY solution for a running toilet, you’ll need to find out why the toilet keeps running. If you can’t figure it out, then calling a plumber can save you from a hefty water bill.
There are ways to fix a running toilet without a ball float.
Several things might lead to a toilet running constantly. Sometimes the fill valve isn’t closing properly.
Sometimes there is a problem with the water level or overflow tube. Sometimes other components of the toilet are faulty, and you have to replace the old one.
No matter what, excess water can wreak havoc on your utility bills. It’s important to remedy the situation as fast as possible.
And if you can’t find the cause, then you should use the shutoff valve to prevent more water from entering the toilet bowl.
Fixing A Running Toilet With No Ball Float
It’s actually easier to fix a modern toilet without a ball float. These designs are equipped with a new fill valve, which serves the same function as the ball float.
The fill valve assembly is popular with modern toilets because it is smaller and more compact than a float. As such, a toilet fill valve allows for more compact toilet tanks to be created.
About Your Fill Valve
You will typically find your fill valve on the left side of your toilet tank. This valve functions with a refill tube to make sure that your tank refills to the appropriate height after the flush valve opens.
There are several different types of floats attached to them, most frequently a float cup.
Float cups help to automate the fill tube. They let water into the tank and create ideal water pressure when the toilet is flushed.
They also prevent the water levels from rising so high that the overflow pipe is necessary.
Fill valves are also quieter to flush than toilets with ball floats. A ball float can sound more like a waterfall than a faucet, particularly in a small bathroom.
Depending on what is causing the toilet to run, you may need to replace the assembly entirely. In this case, you’ll want to make sure that you get replacement parts from your local hardware store or an online retailer like Amazon.
Replacing The Valve
It’s a good idea to replace the fill valve for your toilet every 5 to 6 years. You may also need to get a new flapper.
Sometimes the flapper won’t close all the way, even if the flapper chain isn’t tangled. This will lead to a constantly-running toilet.
A good valve kit ought to include at least one gasket, a lock nut, and a refill tube. You will also need tools like a screwdriver.
Depending on the cause of the problem, you might need a wrench or pliers as well. You may also want to have a bucket to collect any excess water.
Shut Off The Water
Before you do any plumbing work on your toilet, it’s important to shut off the water. There should be a shutoff valve where the toilet tank pipe connects to the water supply line.
Twist the valve with your fingers until it closes.
If the valve has rusted, you might need to use your pliers to turn it. Try not to turn too hard, as this might damage the valve.
It’s a good idea to turn off your toilet water at least once per year to prevent the valve from rusting.
After the water is shut off, you should flush the toilet. This will empty the tank so that you can actually replace the water assembly.
If there are any leaks outside of the tank, put your bucket down to catch them.
Removing The Old Valve
If the base of your current fill valve has not undergone much wear and tear, then it will be simpler to replace.
At the base of the valve is a lock ring. Reach down to the valve’s base.
Pull the valve upward and out of the base, removing the refill tube and any attached components.
If these components have rusted together, you might need to soak the valve in vinegar before you will be able to take it apart.
If the base is rusted or damaged, you should remove it. But if not, then you can install the new valve without replacing the base.
Installing The New One
You will want to make sure that you get a valve that’s compatible with your toilet model. Ask an expert at your hardware store if you aren’t sure.
Assuming that you don’t need to replace the base, all you need to do is put the refill tube and the new valve onto the base. Use the locking ring to lock it in so it doesn’t move.
Connect your refill tube to your overflow tube.
Check the settings of your water levels to ensure that they aren’t too high. Otherwise, you might end up dealing with an overflow.
Replacing The Base
In some cases, you will also need to replace the base due to rust or damage. But this is an easy DIY fix as well.
As with the previous process, you’ll want to flush your toilet and be sure that the tank is totally empty.
Put your bucket under your water supply line so that any excess water will trickle down. Then unscrew the refill hose from the base of the tank.
Use your wrench to remove the valve’s lock nut.
Once the base is no longer locked, you can lift it out of the tank and throw it away. Then it’s simple to install a new valve assembly, but this time with a new base as well.
Final Thoughts
There are many modern toilets that are designed without a ball float. Though this design may be unfamiliar to you, it is actually fairly easy to use.
It’s easier to replace a fill valve than a ball float.
If you’re having trouble figuring out what is making your toilet run, then you should call a plumber. A plumber will be able to diagnose and repair the issue.
Though this is a pricier fix than DIY, it’s much less expensive than wasting hundreds of gallons of water due to the toilet running.
