DIY Network

Water Saving Tips: Leaking Toilet From "Ed the Plumber" episode DETP-206

Toilets can leak in several ways, host Ed Del Grande explains what to look for.

Materials:

Adjustable wrenches
Slip-joint pliers

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

• The first thing you'll want to check is the water level inside your toilet tank. Every toilet tank has an overflow tube. If the water level is too high or the ballcock is out of adjustment, water will constantly spill over into the tube (figure A), which wastes water right down your drain.

• If have this problem, there are two solutions. First, if your ballcock if fairly new, a little adjustment is all you may need. If you have a rod and ball float, find the adjustment screw on top (figure B) and turn it clockwise to lower your water level. If you have a cup float style, find the locking slide that operates the float (figure C). Simply slide it down about a half inch. Remember, the proper water level for your toilet is about a half inch below the rim of the overflow tube.

• For an older ballcock that won't adjust properly, simply replace the entire ballcock. Just shut off the water, drain the tank and disconnect the supply line. Next, remove the locking nut under the tank and pull out the old ballcock. To install the new one, just do the same steps in reverse.