First my toilet runs, now it just takes forever to fill up?

Question

I had a problem with my toilet running constantly. I never did anything about it, but now the tank takes a looong time to fill up (like 30 minutes or more). Could these two problems be related? The toilet doesn't really run anymore, but I'm guessing that's due to the fill speed.

Answer 1

A running toilet, first of all is the result of a plunger that isn't properly seated, whether the plunger is new or not. By simply tapping the flusher k**b will stop the toilet from running. In other words, a running toilet isn't an indication that you need a new plunger.

When a toilet is running, that will obviously result in it taking a longer period of time for the toilet to fill up.

Answer 2

Assuming the water shut off valve from the wall to your toilet is open completely and the  line to the toilet isn't crimped, then I'd replace everything inside the toilet; the flapper, float, flusher, etc.  They come in a kit form so everything is there.  

They aren't expensive and the frustration at installing is just once, compared with trying to troubleshoot the problem item by item.  Nothing lasts forever and that includes the working parts inside a toilet.

Answer 3

what i would do is go buy a new fill valve. while your at it replace the flapper. the fill valve is what connects to the water supply. buy a fluidmaster kit that comes with the flapper at the same time. turn off the water at the wall. flush the toilet and get out all the water from the tank. you can use a vacuum or a sponge to get the water out. now replace both the flapper and fill valve.

Answer 4

You don't have to go out and buy everything for your toilet.

What you need is a Ballcock.  A very simple replacement for majority of toilets is a Fluidmaster ballcock. Go to any hardware store and they can show you what you need.

You probably have hard water/ calcium build up, that was keeping the rubber seals from sealing when water level was reached. And now the calcium is obstructing the water flow, and your toilet takes an eternity to fill.

Replacing the ballcock should fix your problem. If your Flapper ( the rubber disc at bottom of toilet) is old/ weathered, looking or misshaped. I would then replace it too. All this can be done for around $30 dollars.

Answer 5

I agree with fluffer.....

Replacing all the guts (I've had good luck with Fluidmaster) would be the way to go and is not hard to do.  It's likely just the toilet flap, but it could be other things, too.

Have you looked at your water bill lately?  It doesn't take much toilet-running to really jack up the bill.