How to Stop the Toilet Bowl From Refilling? (Try Doing This)

Figuring out how to stop a toilet bowl from refilling can seem like a pretty big challenge. You’ve tried everything and still, your toilet runs for minutes, maybe even hours. So, how do you stop your toilet bowl from always refilling?

To stop your toilet bowl from refilling, you first need to isolate the issue to figure out what’s causing it to refill. Next, try adjusting the water level or the flush valve stopper to see if that fixes it. You may need to replace a number of parts to get things working properly.

In this article, we help you figure out why your toilet is refilling by outlining what to look for in your toilet tank and how to fix each issue.

We also look at what could be causing your toilet to overflow and what not to do if you find yourself in that situation. 

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What Causes a Toilet to Refill?

Toilets are fairly simple items in the home, but there is a multitude of problems that can and eventually will happen. Let’s discuss!

Why Does My Toilet Keep Running?

If your toilet keeps running, there could be something wrong with your flapper on the flush valve or your fill valve. A flapper can be warped or cut due to sediment. It can also come out of alignment along with the chain or trip lever. 

If there’s something wrong with the fill valve, it’s likely caused by a change in water pressure.

The pressure may be pushing the valve cap open, causing water to spill into the overflow valve and therefore causing the water to leak. 

What is Causing My Toilet to Constantly Run?

If your toilet is constantly running, the water pressure has changed, which causes the water to push open the cap of the fill valve and flow over into the overflow valve, which then spills back out into the bowl. 

Another cause could be the rubber flapper has come mostly off and was pushed out of the aliment. It is less common that this would cause the toilet to be constantly running.

Usually, the flapper is dislodged and creates a small gap which causes the toilet to run on and off. 

What Parts Contribute to Toilet Bowl Refilling?

The flapper on the flush tube contributes to a toilet bowl refilling. When it is working properly, the flapper lifts when you flush to distribute clean water into the bowl to flush out the old. However, water can leak out when the flapper has a cut or is not properly covering the valve. 

If your toilet is constantly refilling, then the overflow valve could be catching the water from the fill valve, which can happen when the water pressure changes.

The fill valve is where the clean water enters from the water pipe. 

If My Toilet Bowl Keeps Refilling, Can My Tank Be Leaking?

It is possible that you have a leaky tank. Water can leak out of the toilet tank and into the bowl when the rubber flapper is not completely covering the flushing tube. This means the flapper is not aligned properly or is cut or warped. 

If the toilet bowl is continually refilling, then the issue is that the water pressure has changed.

As a result, the fill valve is taking in too much water pressure, pushing off the cap and spilling into the overfill valve, and flowing back into the bowl. 

How Do I Check if My Toilet Tank is Leaking?

One test you can do to check if your toilet tank is leaking is putting a dye in the water tank. Use a dye tablet. The water in the toilet tank will change color, but the water in the toilet bowl will be clear. After 10 minutes, check to see if the water in the bowl changed color. 

If the color changes, this means the rubber valve in the tank is allowing water to leak through.

Before using the dye, to avoid any unwanted chemical reactions, remove any bleach cleaning product from the toilet and flush before starting the test. 

Is My Flush Valve Broken?

Your flush valve flapper could be simply out of alignment and can be fixed manually. It can also be warped or cut and need replacing. Check your flush valve if there’s nothing wrong with the flapper or anything else in the tank, but the toilet is not flushing properly.

If you’re not sure if a leak’s an issue, you can put a dye tablet or food coloring in the tank to change the color of the water. Then, wait 10 minutes without flushing.

If the water in the toilet bowl stays clear, there’s not a leak. Also, if you are using this test, make sure any bleach clean products are washed out of the toilet. 

Can a Broken Chain Cause My Toilet Bowl to Keep Refilling?

A broken chain can indeed cause your toilet bowl to keep refilling. If a chain is broken, the handle will feel like it is loose and not pulling anything. It also means the flushing valve will not be opening and closing properly. 

This would mean either the valve will either be leaking or never fill the tank at all. After you replace the chain, you can use the dye test to make sure there’s no more leaking.

You can do this by adding food dye to the toilet tank and seeing if the dye makes it into the bowl. 

How Do You Replace a Flush Valve?

To replace a flush valve, you will first need to take off the toilet tank, which can be heavy. Be careful, as most toilet tanks are porcelain and break easily. Then, be sure to shut the water off by turning the water shut-off valve counterclockwise.

Here are the complete steps for replacing your flush valve: 

1. Shut the water off by turning the water shut-off valve counterclockwise. 
2. Flush the toilet to drain out the water from the tank. 
3. Use the pliers to disconnect the tank from the water supply valve.
4. Remove the toilet tank and turn it upside down onto an old towel. 
5. Unscrew the spud nut and remove the old valve. 
6. Insert the new flush valve with the overfill pipe facing the fill valve. 
7. Screw the spud nut back on and reinstall the toilet tank. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K6pcLYrJJs

Is My Fill Valve Causing My Toilet Bowl to Refill?

If your water pressure changes, that could make the fill valve spill over into the overfill valve, which will then refill the toilet bowl. When everything is working properly, the fill valve is what fills the tank to a regulated level and fills the bowl when flushed. 

A simple readjustment in the water level might fix the issue, but if the fill valve is damaged, then it will need to be replaced.

However, you can purchase a new fill valve just like a flush valve, and it can be replaced from inside the toilet tank rather than taking the tank off. 

How Do You Replace a Fill Valve?

To replace a fill valve, begin by turning the water off from the shutoff valve and drain out the water from the tank by flushing the toilet. Then, you can screw in the new fill valve and reconnect the water. 

If you notice your fill valve is damaged, you can replace it, and its installation is a lot like the installation of the flush valve.

The good part about replacing a fill valve is that you do not need to uninstall the toilet tank. 

How Does a Toilet Work?

A toilet works by pulling in clean water while flushing out the old water. The fill valve and flush valve do the work. The fill valve brings in the water to fill the tank, which fills the bowl. The flush valve flushes out the water from the bowl and flushes into the water in the tank.

The part that you use to flush is the flush handle. The handle pulls on the flapper chain, which pulls up the flapper to the flush valve, allowing clean water to enter the bowl while flushing out the old water.

What Makes The Toilet Stop Refiling?

If your toilet is not refilling, check to make sure your water is on in your house. If it is, check the supply line and stop valve, which is where the toilet gets the water. If there’s nothing wrong with the supply line, take off the tank’s lid to identify the problem.

It will probably be obvious what the problem is because if water is coming in, it has to go somewhere. For example, you might have a clog in the fill or flush valve.

You can replace both items yourself. But, if the issue is more complicated, you should turn the water off to the toilet and call a plumber. 

Can I Fix My Toilet Myself?

In many cases, you can fix a toilet yourself. Eventually, however, every toilet will need replacing, or the plumbing will need the attention of a professional. If the problem is the water level or a simple leak, however, it is easy and inexpensive to fix your toilet yourself. 

If it’s a leak, it’s probably the rubber stopper for the flush valve. It can become cut or warped, and it can get out of alignment.

Try adjusting it and see if there is any damage to the stopper. If the alignment isn’t the issue, then you will need to replace the stopper. 

You might also enjoy our post on How to Replace a Toilet Tank

Can I Fix a Running Toilet by Myself?

A toilet can be fixed without a professional if the issue is the fill valve or water level. You can adjust the water level down by either screwing in the screw on the fill valve or moving the float on the line downwards.

If you have identified that the issue is with the fill valve or flush valve, you can replace these too. Both are simple tasks and fairly inexpensive.

If the toilet is only running occasionally, it could be the flapper, which is also easily fixed or replaced.

How Do You Fix a Toilet Bowl That Keeps Filling up?

If your toilet bowl keeps filling up, it is either because the water level is too high and needs to be readjusted or the flapper on the flush valve is leaking. You can change the water level by moving the float and replacing the rubber flapper. 

However, the flapper could just need to be realigned, or the chain needs to be adjusted. It is also possible the chain is broken, and it will need to be replaced.

Also, if you have a newer float valve system, you will need to slide the “V” clip down on the “sliding float.”

How Do You Stop a Toilet Bowl from Overflowing When Flushed?

If your toilet is not emptying when it is flushed, but the new water is still coming in, then your toilet will eventually overflow. First, use a plunger to remove any blockage you can to fix this. If this doesn’t work, you will need to get the blockage out of the branch drain.

If you cannot seem to clear the blockage yourself, call a plumber.

They might be able to fix it, but they also might tell you there’s something wrong with your main plumbing system, or if you have a septic tank, make sure it’s not backing up.

You might also enjoy our post on What To Do If You’re Splashed By Toilet Water

What Should You Not Do with an Overflowing Toilet?

If you have an overflowing toilet, don’t keep flushing it. If you flush the toilet while it’s clogged and overflowing, the water will keep coming in without flushing out because of a blockage. 

Instead of trying to flush out the clog, use a plunger to unclog the toilet. If your toilet is already full or nearly full, grab old towels to soak up any water that may spill while plunging.

You can also first use a large cup or pitcher to scoop out the excess water from the toilet into a bucket or tub. 

How Do You Fix a Toilet That Keeps Running?

If your toilet is constantly running, or only during the middle of the night, you can adjust the fill line in the tank by moving the float or clip on the “sliding float.” However, if your toilet is running periodically, the flapper on the flush valve needs to be replaced or realigned. 

Check under the tank lid for other damage that could be causing the issue. Check the fill valve, flush valve, and chain connecting the handle to the flapper.

If any of these are blocked up, remove them and clean off any build-up. If that doesn’t work, you can buy replacement parts and install them yourself. 

What Tools Do I Need to Fix a Toilet Bowl That Keeps Refilling?

Common tools used to fix a toilet that keeps running include a wrench, replacement parts, and a screwdriver. You will probably need a wrench if you have to replace any parts. Likewise, if you are adjusting the float, you will need a screwdriver.

Some other items that are helpful are towels, gloves, and a flashlight. If you are also dealing with an overflow problem, turn off the water and use a plunger to get rid of the clog. 

How Do You Fix a Running Toilet Without a Ball Float?

The newer “float systems” have a clip on a vertical line you can move up and down. These systems do not have a float in the form of a rubber ball like many other toilets. If your toilet is always running, the water level is too high, and the clip needs to be moved down. 

The same issue can cause the water to run only in the middle of the night. If your toilet is occasionally running, then there’s something wrong with the flapper or the flapper chain.  

How Do You Adjust a Toilet Float?

On many toilets, the float is in a bulb shape attached to the float arm. If you have one of these models, move the screw on the fill valve that connects it to the float arm. In newer models, the float is on a vertical line and can be moved up and down the line. 

If you notice your toilet is only running in the middle of the night, then your water level is too high.

You can correct this by turning the screw on the fill valve clockwise or adjusting your float on the line downwards.

Then, check the tank the next morning and move the float down to the one-inch level. 

How Do I Know If a Part For My Toilet is Compatible with My Toilet?

Most toilets are universal in their parts and use the same standard measurements. However, if your toilet is a special design, the manufacturer should provide the replacement parts. You can find information on them by looking up their name on the web. 

Parts like fill valves, flush valves, and rubber flappers often come in repair kits or separately. All of these parts are common replacement parts and are standard sizes.

If you have a different model that no longer sells replacement parts, you will need to replace the toilet. 

You might also enjoy our post on Can Toilet Seat Covers Be Flushed?

Related Questions

What Should You Not Flush Down the Toilet?

There is a multitude of things you should not flush down the toilet, including items that are advertised as “flushable.” Be sure to read instructions and warnings when using a flushable item, and try not to flush too many items at once.

There are also substances that are harmful when flushed or put down a drain.

This is because the chemicals can be redistributed into drinking water and can cause serious health problems to us and the environment. 

Can You Flush Toilet Seat Covers Down the Toilet?

There are disposable toilet seat covers that will not clog your toilet. However, you do not want to flush a reusable toilet seat cover or a decorative seat cover. The same is true of toilet lid covers. 

There are good options for flushable toilet seat covers. Some are designed to break down easily in water. However, you don’t want to flush more than one at a time. 

Final Thoughts

Clearly, there’s a lot that can go wrong with your toilet and cause it to refill abnormally. Hopefully, this article helped you figure out what is wrong and how to fix it.

I also hope it’s one of the simple solutions!