Are you having problems with your Toto Toilet? One major issue with Toto toilets, like any other, is water overflow. Then you wonder,’ why does my Toto toilet keep running?’
Your Toto toilet could be running because of a defective fill valve that fails to control the amount of water filling the toilet tank, an overly raised float height, or a faulty flapper or flush valve that needs replacing.
Note that the biggest risk with a Toto toilet that keeps running is that it can lead to lots of water wastage and expensive water bills. According to EPA, an unrepaired running toilet can waste one gallon every hour.
That’s much water if you ask me! And much money too!
So, act first to fix the issue, and it starts with identifying the source of the overflow. If you cannot, then calling an expert plumber is advisable.
But before you do, how about you try the tips that I’ll share with you in this post? They are practical and will fix most issues relating to a running Toto toilet.
But first, let’s first look at how your Toto toilet works.
How Your Toto Toilet Works
Usually, water enters the Toto toilet tank through the fill valve. As it fills the tank, the flapper prevents it from running to the bowl.
And when water fills the tank and reaches a certain height, the fill valve shuts off, stopping more water from entering the tank until you flush.
Once you flush, the flapper opens and releases water to the bowl through the toilet’s rim holes, pushing the waste down the main drain.
Note, however, that if there is an issue with the fill valve, float, flapper, or flush valve, your toilet may keep running until you fix it or shut off the water.
Let’s now look at how all these issues affect your toilet.
Why Does My Toto Toilet Keep Running?
Generally, your Toto toilet could be running because of any of these four reasons:
1. Defective Toto Toilet Fill Valve
Under perfect conditions, a fill valve controls the amount of water that gets into your Toto tank until the water reaches the set level. But if the fill valve is dirty, broken, or just too long, it won’t execute its job correctly, and so the toilet is likely to keep running.
The Fix
Each issue with the fill valve requires a different fix. Let’s discuss them briefly:
a) Dirty Fill Valve
If the flush valve is dirty, you should clean it using these tips:
- Turn off the toilet water supply
- Flush the water that is in the tank
- Take a piece of cloth or sponge to suck the reaming water inside the toilet tank
- Remove the fill valve and clean off any dirt deposits
- Place the fill valve back after cleaning
- Turn on the toilet water supply and wait for the tank to fill to check for leakage
b) Broken (or Worn Out) Fill Valve
A broken fill valve is one of the reasons behind a Toto toilet running constantly. The fix for that is getting a replacement flush valve and then fitting it using these tips:
- Turn off your toilet water supply and drain all the water in the tank until its dry
- Using a screwdriver, unscrew the old fill valve from the locking nut at the bottom of the tank
- Take the new fill valve and adjust it to a perfect height of your Toto tank water level
- Remember, the threaded fill valve end should go at the bottom of the tank
- Lock the nuts tightly, ensuring to create a tight seal
- Turn on your water supply, and if the installation were a success, water would stop running to the bowl
Overall, if you are looking for the best Toto fill valve to replace your old one, you cannot go wrong with the TOTO TSU99A.X Adjustable Fill Valve (View on Amazon). It’s pretty adjustable to any height and has a universal design, thus likely to fit all Toto toilet tanks.
c) An Extra Long Fill Valve
If your fill valve is too long, it causes a suction effect that pulls water from the fill valve.
So, to fix it, you first need to pull it out and trim it to size using cutting pliers. Once you have the right size, clip it and place it properly around the overflow tube.
2. Overly-Raised Float Height
The typically adjustable float controls the tank’s water level. If it sits too low, it will result in a weak flush. However, if it’s set too high, it will encourage an overflow as the tank is likely to hold more water.
The problem with an overflow is that it causes the water to leak into the bowl via the overflow tube.
The Fix
Adjust the float height to achieve the correct water level. You can do that by adjusting the screws on the float arms
3. Defective Flapper
Generally, a flapper’s job is to close off the toilet flush valve to retain water in the holding tank. However, if the flapper is defective, it won’t help the tank retain water, and the toilet is likely to keep running.
Overall, a flapper can be defective if it’s too long or if it’s worn out. In the first case, the flapper will keep hitting the tank lid and will not let the flapper open fully for a powerful flush.
In the second case, the flapper fails to work completely. Old and worn-out flappers don’t seal well, making water run from your toilet tank to the bowl.
The Fix
If the flapper is too long, consider resizing it using cutting pliers. Ensure you only leave an inch to prevent chain tangling in the tank.
But if you cut your flapper chain and your Toto toilet continues to run, the chances are that the flapper is worn out, and that calls for a replacement.
Here are the steps for replacing your Toto flapper:
- Turn off your toilet water supply
- Flush the toilet to drain the water in the holding tank
- Drain the excess water using a towel or a sponge
- Remove the worn-out flapper and replace it with the new one
- Turn on your water supply and check if your toilet still leaks
You can buy the Essential Values 3-inch Toto Toilet Flapper if you want a replacement flapper for your Toto toilet. This universal flapper, thus compatible with many Toto toilet models and comes in a quality build.
4. Faulty Flush Valve
If your toilet flush valve is faulty, your toilet tank won’t create a seal to contain the water. One way to tell a defective flush valve is running toilet water. You can also tell if the flush valve is making a screaming sound.
Fix (Toto Flush Valve Troubleshooting)
You should replace your faulty flush valve using these steps:
- Turn off your Toto toilet water supply
- Flush the toilet to drain all the water
- Drain the excess water using a piece of cloth or a sponge
- Remove the old flush valve by unscrewing the bolts that hold it in place
- Install the new flush valve and tighten it in place
- Place the tank-bowl gasket in position
- Turn on your Toto toilet water supply
- Let the tank fill and then check if there are leaks
- If not, the installation was successful
If you want a replacement flush valve, you can consider the TOTO TMT1LN32#CP HET Universal Flushometer Valve (View on Amazon). This flush valve comes in a standard size ideal for replacing many flush valve toilets.
When to Call an Expert
While most running toilet fixes are DIY, a few others require the input of a professional plumber. Sometimes you may not be sure of the issue, especially after going through all the potential culprits. In such a case, you should give an expert plumber a call.
Since plumbers are well-versed with the anatomy of the toilet system, they can diagnose issues that are not apparent to you. Moreover, they have the right tools and know what to buy, saving you from making a wrong purchase.
People Also Ask
1. How Do You Fix a Toto Toilet That Keeps Running?
Toto toilets run for different reasons, and so you first have to identify the reason to fix it. Common causes of a running Toto toilet are a faulty flush valve, fill valve, flapper, or float. In most cases, replacing the defective component fixes the issue.
2. How Do You Adjust A TOTO Flush Valve?
You can adjust your flush valve by turning it clockwise to unlock it or anticlockwise to lock it. Usually, you only need to half-turn the valve to adjust it.
3. How Should I Know It’s Time to Change My Toilet Flapper?
If you notice water running continuously into the bowl or the tank not filling up, your flapper is most likely defective and thus needs replacing.
You can also feel the flapper. It’ll feel brittle if it’s worn out, and some pieces may start to fall if you touch it.
Overall, a flapper lasts about 4-5 years. So, if it’s older than five years, that means you should replace it.
4. Why is My Toto Dual Flush Toilet Running?
If your Toto dual flush toilet keeps running, the chances are that either the float, flapper flush valve, or fill valve is faulty. In that case, inspect the parts and replace whatever is defective.
5. What Is the Lifespan of Toto Toilets?
Toto toilets are quality toilets, but that doesn’t make them indestructible. Depending on usage and maintenance, Toto toilets last about 4-5 years before they start suffering significant repairs. Note that if you infrequently use the toilet, the chances of it lasting longer are higher.
Why Does My Toto Toilet Keep Running? Closing Thought
As discussed, the primary reason behind a running Toilet is a defective component. If the flush valve, fill valve, float or flapper is faulty, the toilet will run. Luckily, these issues are fixable, mainly by replacing the affected part, which will probably cost you about $20.
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