The sound of a toilet that won’t stop running can be an annoying and constant headache in your home. Whether it’s the steady trickle of the fill valve failing to shut off or the periodic flushing of a leaky flapper, a running toilet can also lead to higher than normal water bills and potential leaks or flooding. In this article we look at how to fix a running toilet with a button flush.

While calling a plumber is one solution, repairing a continuously running toilet is a common DIY project that homeowners can tackle themselves with a few tools and replacement parts. 

This comprehensive guide will walk you step-by-step through the anatomy of a toilet, diagnosing common issues, and replacing parts like the flush valve, flapper, and tank bolts.

With the right information and a methodical approach, you can stop that dreadful running toilet sound and get your bathroom back to working order. We’ll also cover when it’s advisable to call in a professional plumber versus attempting the repair yourself.

Here’s a quick overview of what we’ll cover:

• Toilet anatomy – Key parts and how they work
• Diagnosing the issue – Process of elimination
• Step-by-step repairs – Fixing flappers, fill valves, and bolts
• Preventing problems – Maintenance tips
• When to call a pro – Certain repairs best left to experts

So grab your wrench and get ready to tame that troublesome toilet!

Gather Your Toilet Troubleshooting Toolkit

Before we dive into toilet anatomy and diagnosing problems, let’s gather the tools and materials we’ll need to take on these repairs ourselves. Having these supplies handy will make the process smoother when we’re knee-deep in toilet parts.

You’ll want to have:

• Adjustable wrench – For loosening nuts and bolts
• Screwdriver – Both flathead and Phillips head
• Tweezers or tongs – Helpful for removing small parts
• Replacement flapper – Match your existing one
• Fluidmaster 400A – Universal fill valve kit
• Tank bolts – Match length and style
• Gaskets – For watertight seals
• Rags or towels – To soak up any water

Don’t worry about running to the hardware store mid-repair! Gather these essentials ahead of time so you have everything on hand.

Get To Know Your Toilet Parts

Alright, class is in session! Let’s identify the key parts of a toilet so you know what’s what when troubleshooting that problematic running and leaking. Grab a pencil and paper, or just reference this article later.

A toilet has two main components – the toilet tank up top and the toilet bowl down below.

Inside the tank are a few key mechanisms:

• Fill valve – Lets water in from supply line
• Flapper – Seal that lifts up when flushing
• Float – Controls water level
• Handle/button – Triggers the flush
• Overflow tube – Exits excess water

When you press the flush handle or button, the flapper lifts and allows the water in the tank to empty into the bowl via the flush valve. Once empty, the fill valve opens to refill the tank until the float causes it to close. Rinse and repeat!

Understanding how each piece interacts will help immensely when we’re troubleshooting and replacing parts. Now that we’re fluent in toilet-ese, let’s move on to diagnose why yours keeps running!

Now Let’s Fix That Running Toilet

Alright, time to play toilet detective! When you hear that constant trickling or wooshing sound of water running in the bowl, the first step is confirming it’s actually a leak and not just your imagination.

Here are some clues to know if your toilet is wasting water:

• Constant low sound of flowing water
• Water level drops in tank without flushing
• Higher than normal water bill
• Water overflowing into tube

If you notice one or more of these, there’s definitely an issue. Now we need to diagnose where the leak is coming from.

Systematically testing different components is key here rather than jumping straight into loosening every bolt. Methodical troubleshooting will save you time and headaches.

Inspect the Flapper

The most common culprit is a leaky flapper. This little seal lifted up by the flush handle allows the water in the tank to empty into the bowl.

To test the flapper:

• Remove tank lid and set aside
• Flush to empty tank and wait for it to refill
• Mark water level with tape or marker
• Wait 10 minutes without flushing
• Check if water lowered below mark

If so, you likely have a flapper leak! Time to replace that worn out seal.

Assess the Fill Valve

If the flapper checks out, next investigate the fill valve. This piece refills the tank after a flush by opening when water is needed. Issues arise if it fails to fully close.

To test the fill valve:

• Remove the tank lid
• Locate fill valve (right side)
• Place finger on valve top when tank full
• Can you feel water pressure?
• Does level drop without flushing?

A stuck open fill valve will make both those things happen. Try cleaning debris first, or replace the fill valve altogether.

Don’t Forget the Tank Bolts

Finally, don’t rule out loose, broken, or missing tank bolts on the underside. The tank rests on these bolts, which attach to the bowl. If compromised, water can leak through these openings.

Give the bolts a shake to check for looseness. Rust and corrosion also means they should be replaced with shiny new ones.

Now that we’ve pinpointed the problematic part, let’s fix it!

DIY Toilet Repair Instructions

Alright, we found the culprit through our detective work. Time to dive into the repair process! I’ll provide step-by-step instructions for fixing each common running toilet issue.

Replacing the Flapper

A faulty flapper seal is often the reason for a running toilet. Replacing this part is straightforward:

1. Turn off water supply valve and flush out water
2. Disconnect flapper chain from handle/button
3. Remove old flapper seal and clean mating surfaces
4. Install new flapper seal by firmly pushing into place
5. Reconnect flapper chain with proper slack
6. Turn water back on and test flush

Make sure you purchase the correct replacement flapper for your toilet model. Watch for chain length and orientation too when reconnecting.

Cleaning or Replacing Fill Valve

If you diagnosed the fill valve as the problem, here’s how to address that:

1. Turn off water supply and flush out tank
2. Remove fill valve nut and lift out old valve
3. Scrub valve ports with brush to remove gunk and debris
4. For replacement, install new fill valve gasket and shank washer
5. Securely tighten new valve nut and adjust float cup height
6. Turn on water and check for leaks and proper shutoff

Sometimes a good scrubbing fixes the issue, other times replacing the fill valve is needed. New ones are inexpensive and screw in easily.

Securing Loose Tank Bolts

Finally, to address problematic tank bolts here are the steps:

1. Turn off water supply and empty tank
2. Remove old tank bolts and discard along with gasket
3. Clean bolt holes to remove contaminants
4. Install new bolts and gasket in clockwise pattern
5. Tighten bolts evenly with wrench
6. Refill tank and verify no leakage

Don’t overtighten when securing the bolts! Snug is sufficient to create a seal and hold the tank.

Whew, we covered a lot of ground in diagnosing and fixing your toilet troubles! Let those repair instructions soak in, then revisit to walk through the process on your own running toilet.

Keep That Toilet Trouble-Free

Our toilet is fixed and back in working order! But let’s look at some maintenance tips to prevent future problems and enjoy a continuously functioning throne:

• Check for leaks – Periodically inspect for signs of leaks
• Replace parts proactively – Flappers and fill valves wear out over time
• Clean mineral deposits – Prevent clogged ports and sticking parts
• Ensure proper water level – Adjust fill valve to manufacturer recommendation
• Update components if needed – New efficient models can save water

A few minutes of prevention can avoid major issues down the road!

Knowing When to Call in a Pro

While common toilet repairs are doable yourself, certain situations do warrant calling a professional plumber:

• Leak origin is unclear after troubleshooting
• Multiple issues arise like flapper and fill valve simultaneously
• Shutoff valve replacement is needed
• Wax ring seal is compromised
• Severe corrosion and mineral buildup exists
• Main sewer clog affecting toilet

Don’t be afraid to phone a friend if things get too complex! Plumbers have years of experience and proper equipment.

Explore Solutions Beyond DIY

If you’ve replaced parts and are still having issues, it may be time to consider upgrades:

• Dual flush eco-toilets – Significantly reduce water usage
• Smart home monitoring – Get alerts for leaks/high water usage
• Rebate programs – Some utilities offer incentives to upgrade
• Whole home inspections – Check water pressure and pipes

Running toilets don’t have to be a fact of life! With some diligence and willingness to adopt new technology, you can maintain a water-efficient household.

FAQs About Running Toilet Repairs

Let’s round up our toilet education with answers to common questions:

Why does my toilet intermittently run?

This is likely a flapper or fill valve issue that hasn’t fully failed yet. Replace parts before it worsens.

What color should my tank water be?

Clean, clear water is ideal. Discoloration like yellow or brown indicates rusty pipes or bacteria.

Why does my toilet make noise but not run?

Noises during the refill cycle may indicate issues with the fill valve or fluid dynamics. Adjust water pressure or replace the valve.

My toilet won’t stop running after replacing parts. Now what?

The shutoff valve or fluid dynamics may be faulty. A full valve replacement kit or professional help may be needed.

Can a constantly running toilet be dangerous?

Yes, it can lead to leaks, flooding, slippery wet floors, mold growth, and higher utility bills over time if unaddressed.

Keep That Toilet Tuned Up!

Whew, we covered everything from toilet anatomy and troubleshooting to repairs, maintenance, and upgrades. Hopefully now you feel empowered to put on your plumber’s cap and fix that troublesome running toilet yourself. 

With the right tools and replacement parts, the ability to stop a running toilet is in your hands!

Remember to work methodically, exercise patience, and don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber for assistance on complex issues. 

The goal is restoring a fully functioning, water efficient toilet while avoiding leaks and accidents.

Now get out there, grab a wrench, and stop that infernal running sound once and for all! Your water bill and home will thank you.

Marc Smith

Marc is a seasoned expert in the DIY and power tool industries with a wealth of knowledge accumulated over three decades. He is an experienced tool reviewer and article writer.

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The post How To Fix A Running Toilet With A Button Flush appeared first on The DIY Hubby - Tool Reviews And DIY Articles.

Garden Sheds That Will Add Style To Your Garden

A garden shed is very useful for storing tools and equipment, but that doesn’t mean it has to be ugly and boring. The new trend is to put some effort into this traditional storage space and make it a feature in the garden. In this article we list 15 stunning garden shed ideas to inspire you to pimp your shed! (or build a new one..)

Most of these sheds can be bought as a pre-built kit or you can have the manufacturer erect it for you on site. If you are a DIY guru, you can attempt the build yourself and same loads of money.

Get Access to over 12,000 shed plans and build your own garden shed. Find out more here

Here are some of the best garden sheds from around the web:

1. This lovely traditional look garden shed is from Dutch Crafters. This square traditional design offers tons of storage space. This traditional style shed is a huge favourite at the moment.

2. This stunning garden shed was built entirely from reclaimed wood. Jenny did an amazing job to create this awesome outdoor space for next to nothing. This is probably my favourite shed on this page for the reason that it was self-built from reclaimed material.

3. This one is for the ladies – forget the man cave, it’s time to roll out the she-shed! This example was found on Home-dzine.

4. This classy garden shed is one of my favourites. The perfect size to store some garden tools and still have space for a fridge full of beer! Found on Home-dzine.

5. The blue and white paint job give this garden shed a tranquil look. The perfect place to spend a few quiet hours on a Sunday afternoon. Via ladyannescharm.

6. This pretty little garden shed was created using old doors. Very clever idea! We found this idea on libertyrosepatterns.blogpost.co.za It is not the biggest shed in the world, but still has space to store the essential garden tools.

7. Here is another stunning garden shed from the guys at Dutch Crafters. I love the double doors on this shed – making it easy to move bigger items like the lawn mower in and out. These guys know how to build sheds and all their sheds have a certain character to them.

8. I love the idea of a barn-style garden shed. A perfect fit for a home in the countryside. This idea is from Sand Creek Post and Beam.

9. This garden shed was designed to maximize storage space. This kind of shed is ideal for a home workshop where you can store power tools like your drill press, jigsaw, and other electrical equipment. This example was  found on Fine gardening. This is the type of shed that I would love in my back garden. It can be turned in to a functional workshop where all the magic DIY work happen.

10. Now, this is what a garden shed should look like. This amazing shed was built by Tom Bloughs after he saw the plans on thefamilyhandyman.com. You can read Tom’s story on thebloughs.net

11. This garden shed has a covered veranda, the perfect place for socializing over weekends. Photo from moosefarg.nl

12. Here is another garden shed made from recycled doors. It seems to be a popular trend at the moment, so if you have some old doors lying around, you now know what to do with it. Via woodhome.com

13. This garden shed has a lovely area to enjoy your garden to the fullest. Perfect for summer afternoons. This example was found on prinstuinhuisjes.nl This is a more modern style of garden shed.

14. We mentioned earlier in this post that she-sheds are the latest craze. Here is another beautiful example of one. We found it on woodtex.com. We love the patriotic theme of this one! The blue and white finish gives it that traditional look.

15. This garden shed was made from recycled wood pallets. It is cheap to build and looks lovely! This is one of the projects we found on 99pallets.com

Build Your Own Garden Shed

Hopefully, these ideas will inspire you to build your own stunning garden shed or revamp the tired old shed in the backyard. The sheds on this page are from all over the globe and show just how much effort some folk put into their sheds. Plans for most of these sheds can be found here, over 12,000 plans to be exact. You can find loads more DIY projects on other pages of our website. If inspiration is all that is lacking, you are in the right place to find it.

Or You Can Buy A Ready Made Garden Shed!  

Handy Home Products Windemere 10×12 Do-it-Yourself Wooden Storage Shed with Floor

See On Amazon

Evedy 6×8 FT Outdoor Metal Storage Shed

Ideal for storing different tools and accessories such as watering can, spades, pots etc, which is suitable for many kinds of outdoor equipment.

See On Amazon

Marc Smith

Marc is a seasoned expert in the DIY and power tool industries with a wealth of knowledge accumulated over three decades. He is an experienced tool reviewer and article writer.

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Let’s Take A Look At Some Amazing Bookshelves

Most bookworms like to accumulate books and that creates the need for bookshelves to store the books.  Being married to a bookaholic, I’m always on the lookout for new bookshelf ideas. In this article, we look at some creative ideas to store your favourite books.

All of these ideas can be turned into DIY projects that can be completed in the home workshop or garage. Hopefully, this article will inspire you to create your own stunning bookshelves.

1. Tree Branch Bookshelf

This stunning tree branch bookshelf is not that difficult to make and can be a great feature in any room. This example was found on housetodecor.com 

2. DIY Crate Bookshelf

Created from recycled crates, this bookshelf is practical and easy to assemble. See the full tutorial on how to assemble this crate bookshelf on taramichelleinteriors.ca

3. Simple Box Design Bookshelf

This elegant bookshelf is made from different size wood squares that are fitted in the same way as floating shelves. Source: coisasdemulhercris.co.za

4. Bookcase From Reclaimed Pallets

Just one of the many uses of recycled pallets. You can see exactly how this bookshelf was put together on madewithlove.

5. Read Your Bookcase!

I just love this idea! Strategic placement of shelves allow you to spell just about anything, so let your imagination loose and create an awesome bookshelf. This example was found on saporiti.net

6. Bookshelf Chair

Now, this is clever! Build a chair into your bookshelf, and you don’t even have to get up to get your favourite book. See how this chair-bookshelf was made on instructables.com

7. Tree Bookshelf

The tree stump bookshelf creates a lovely outdoors feel in this room. This can be the ideal bookshelf for any home with an outdoor theme. We found this example on zelfmaakideetjes. This is probably one of the most original bookshelf ideas we have ever seen.

A real tree stump was sized to fit exactly from floor to ceiling, and four shelves were cut to fit precisely around the tree stump. All of the saw and cutting work was probably done by chainsaw and jigsaw. You can read more about the best jigsaw here.

8. Mandala Bookshelf

If you look up the word “wow-factor” in the dictionary, I’m sure you’ll find this picture! This stunning Mandala-inspired bookshelf was created using different size wood boxes. Source: apartmenttherapy

9. Candle Lit Bookshelf

This candlelit bookshelf looks amazing in the evening. Candles or LED lights can be used to illuminate this bookshelf. Source: casa.abril.com

10. Pallet Bookshelf

This pallet bookshelf is super easy to make but looks stylish enough to be a feature in any home. See how it was made on diyandcraftsideas.

Some tips when building your own bookshelf:

Building your own bookshelf can be loads of fun when you know what you are doing. The space you have available will determine what type of bookshelf you can build. When you have a clear idea of the size of the bookshelf that will do the trick, you can start searching for ideas.

A good starting point is to see what materials you have available or how much you would like to spend on this project. Recycling old material will save you money and can be very rewarding. If you don’t have any material personally, you can do an online search for recycled material in your area. Wooden pallets are just about everywhere and as you can see from this article, it can be turned into stunning furniture.

The last tip is to be creative and let your imagination run free. You can get thousands of ideas from articles like this one, but the most rewarding project will be one that comes from building something unique. Use the ideas that you find online to create something amazing!

See more DIY furniture ideas here!

Marc Smith

Marc is a seasoned expert in the DIY and power tool industries with a wealth of knowledge accumulated over three decades. He is an experienced tool reviewer and article writer.

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Most DIYers love to build useful items, especially when they have the opportunity to use recycled materials that don’t cost a cent. With a bit of imagination and the right tools, almost any material can be used to create fashionable furniture.

Anything from old pallets to reclaimed floorboards can be used and there is no limit to what you can build from materials found in the garage or tool shed. 

Take your woodworking skills to the next level by getting access to over 16,000 woodworking plans. Find out more here

In this article we look at 15 awesome DIY furniture ideas to hopefully inspire you to build your own stunning furniture.

Reclaimed wood headboard

This stunning headboard was made entirely from reclaimed wood. Visit Homedit.com to get the full article and see how this was done.

Modern DIY Bench

This stunning modern bench will create the Wow factor on any patio. Surprisingly it is not that difficult to build and can be completed in one day. Steve at diycandy.com will show you step by step how to put the bench together.

DIY Coffee Cup Holder

An old pallet picked up from the side of the road, some screws and hooks and some paint were all that was needed to create this lovely cup holder. You can see exactly how it was done on One Little Bird.

DIY Wine Crate Table

This ingenious wine crate table is extremely functional and can be the centrepiece of any dining room. The wine crate coffee table was created by joining some old wine crates together and fitting wheels to the bottom to make it mobile. Source: Homedit.com

DIY Kitchen Island

This lovely kitchen island was completed for under $30! Add more working and storage space to your kitchen with this DIY kitchen island. See how it was made at mominmusiccity.com

Pallet Bar

The latest craze is to use recycled pallets to create all kinds of furniture. This pallet bar is a good example of how pallets can easily be turned into functional, stunning pieces of furniture. This example was found on zelfmaakideetes.nl

DIY Bathroom Shelf

The DIY bathroom shelf is simple and easy to make, yet stylish and functional. Recycled wood was used to create this shelf. Read the full article at palletfurniturediy.com

Garden Love Seat

This stylish slatted garden bench is a must in every garden. It is easy to make and most DIYers will have no problems completing this project. The bench is made from plywood and pine. The step by step process can be seen on Home Dzine.

Pallet Coat Rack

A coat rack with character! Made from recycled pallets, this coat rack adds something extra to this normally boring piece of furniture. This is a very easy project to take on and you don't need many tools to complete the task. There is no need for heavy tools as all the cutting can be done by smaller cutting tools.  Source: palletfurniturediy.com

Pallet coffee table

Yet another project made from recycled pallets. This stunning coffee table was found on Vitamin-ha.com

Bi-Fold Doors Bookshelf

Gail from My Repurposed Life picked up two bi-fold doors at a Restore and transformed them into this amazing bookshelf. Read the full story on her blog.

DIY Patio Cooler Stand

I just love this idea! Eddie and Steph came up with the clever idea to create this cooler stand. This is ideal for those people that love to entertain on the patio. See how it was made on eddieandsteph.com

Coffee Table Planter

This is one of my favourite coffee table designs. Cassie at Lovely Weeds.com and a friend created this stunning coffee table with space built in for succulents.

Entertainment center stand

Yep, you guessed it! Another project from recycled pallets. This entertainment centre stand is easy to make and can be customized to suit your needs. See how this unit was made on palletfurniturediy.com

Get access to over 16,000 woodworking plans here ←

Glow in the dark table

This is about as cool as it gets when it comes to tables! The photo-luminescent powder is mixed with clear resin and poured into the cavities of this Cypress hardwood top. A cool blue glow is emitted when darkness sets in. Read the full article on Instructables.

Marc Smith

Marc is a seasoned expert in the DIY and power tool industries with a wealth of knowledge accumulated over three decades. He is an experienced tool reviewer and article writer.

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We all know the pattern, it breaks or wears, you pay to fix it. The question is, do you tackle it yourself or spend the money getting a contractor in? This, of course, depends vastly on your ability and sometimes, your pocket. Start small is the trick, don’t start something you know you’ll be unable to finish, maybe due to your fitness or lack of tools.

But here follow three typical home renovations that you can do yourself, along with a rough estimate of the money you will save. They’re a lot easier than you may think.

1. Installing a hardwood floor.

You know the scenario, you’re fed up with (or maybe your wife is!) the carpets and a hardwood floor would make it all better. You can make this easy by firstly choosing pre-varnished and pre-cut lengths. One company or another will always have hardwood flooring on sale, shop around, choose the color and design that you like and get buying.

The next thing to do is… nothing. It’s always best to allow the wood to reach the same temperature and humidity as your house, so leave the wood in the house for a week or so. If you lay the flooring immediately you may find it shrinks and you’re left with gaps.

When you start, the tongue and groove allow you to fit it together like a jigsaw puzzle, once the first line is down, the rest slots in quickly. If there are two of you, one slot the piece in, the other gets busy with the nailer. At the end of each row, use a circular saw to ensure it fits snugly and start on the next row.

Try to mix up the grain pattern and lengths of the flooring; you don’t want a straight line of joins going across your floor.

The last row may need to be ripped to make it fit, if you don’t have a table saw, try to borrow or rent one, you certainly don’t want to be buying one for just the one job.

Install hardwood floors in three rooms and a hallway (total 700 sq ft)

• Hardwood flooring: $3’500

• Compressor, nail gun, nails: $160

• Table saw (rental): $80

• Total: $3’740

• Contractor price: $5’484

• Save: $1744

• Circular saw/chop saw: $80

• Tape measure: $20

2. Crown molding and trim

There are not many jobs that can improve your home quicker and easier than crown molding and baseboard trim.

There are many makes and materials out there, only go for hardwood if you are sure you’re ceiling/floor are 100% straight. MDF is far more forgiving, both of uneven surfaces and the occasional fitter error!

The size of the molding should be gauged using the height of your ceiling, a standard 8ft ceiling would need the four-inch wide crown, if lower go for the 3.5 inches if you live in a cathedral, go for the widest available!

Next, you need an accurate measure of your ceiling. You can buy pre-cut lengths of up to 16ft which may well be the cheapest option. Alternatively, you can buy by the linear foot, this will without doubt limit wastage, and in a large room prevent unsightly joins.

You’ll need a miter saw to ensure perfect 45-degree angles in the corners, use glue to secure the joint and a nail gun to fix the lengths. I mostly use air tools to get all the trim work done. For this you will need an air compressor and nail gun. You can find more information on how to find the best air compressor here.

Another pair of hands will be, well, handy! If you’re trying to man-handle long lengths by yourself you will most certainly find this job far trickier.

Once it’s up, caulk the top and bottom to fill any gaps caused by uneven walls and ceilings, paint (unless you’re using hardwood) and you’re finished. Stand back and admire!

Install crown molding and trim in four rooms (12 x 12 ft each)

• 200 linear feet of 4-inch pine molding $480

• Compressor, nail gun, nails: $160

• Compound miter saw: $120

• Four-foot level: $24

• Caulk: $16

• Total: $800

• Contractor price: $1,360

• Save: $560

• Tape measure: $25

• Set square: $20

3. Tiling a bathroom

Many people are pretty scared about tiling, working with wood is one thing, those ceramic tiles, another story. But not so! It’s really quite simple and can give a much-needed update to any bathroom, turning it into a modern tranquil oasis.

Buy tiles that are easy to work with. Smaller tiles come in one ft sheets, held together by a fiberglass backing. These are pre-spaced and held together in a perfect square. Smaller 3 – 6-inch tiles can come with protruding edges; this means that when you push them together they are automatically spaced. If not you will need to buy spacers which is a little more tricky but still do-able.

Once you’ve chosen your tiles, give the walls a quick wipe down, clean and dry is the answer. Mix your cement and get sticking. Start with a small area, don’t plaster the cement all over, it will dry quite quickly. Once you get going you’ll be able to gauge how large an area to do at once. Use a special v-groove trowel for easier application.

You’ll need a tile cutter or wet saw to cut the tiles to fit the edges without chipping or cracking them.

Leave the tiles one day before applying the grout. Apply the grout to the gaps using a tile float, and then leave to set a little before you wipe off the excess. This would usually be an hour but check after 30 mins, trying to scrape set grout of the tiles is not fun. Clean across the joints first using the float and then a damp tile sponge, and then wipe the face with the sponge. Timing and the right amount of water are the secrets here.

Tile a three-wall bath and shower stall (total 100 sq ft)

• Tile: $400

• Cement: $12

• Grout: $12

• Tile saw (rental): $32

• Tile float: $4

• Grout sponge: $4

• V-trowel: $8

• Total: $472

• Contractor price: $872

• Save: $400

• Tape measure: $20

Marc Smith

Marc is a seasoned expert in the DIY and power tool industries with a wealth of knowledge accumulated over three decades. He is an experienced tool reviewer and article writer.

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How to fix a running toilet? It is not as difficult as you may think and certainly not worth calling a plumber out for. There are basically three faults that can cause a toilet to leak. 

The float set at the wrong level, a leaking flapper and a faulty fill valve can all cause the toilet to keep running and keep you up all night. Luckily these faults can easily be fixed.

Fix Your Leaking Toilet

First, you will need to do a visual inspection to see if the problem can be spotted straight away. Take the lid off the water tank so that you can see inside the tank where all the parts are.

The first thing to look for is the water level. A water level that is too high will cause water to flow into the overflow tube and run into the bowl.

As shown in the picture above, the water level should be under the top of the overflow tube to avoid water from leaking into the bowl. If the water level is too high you need to look at the following two causes:

Follow These Steps:

1. Float set at the wrong level.

   If the float is set too high, the water level will be too high, causing water to flow into the overflow tube and leak into the bowl. To adjust the float down you can simply bend the lift arm down to achieve the right water level. Remember that the water level must be lower than the rim of the overflow tube.

2. Leaking fill valve.

   If the float is set to the proper level but the water level still rises above the overflow tube it means that the fill valve is leaking.  In other words, the fill valve doesn’t close when the float reaches its stop position. Limescale build-up or worn inner parts can cause this valve to leak. It is always advisable to buy a new inner kit when you have a leaking fill valve. They are inexpensive and that way you know that it will work perfectly for a number of years to come.

3. If the water level is right (just under the rim of the overflow tube) and the water still runs into the bowl, it means that you have a problem with the flapper.

   Before taking the flapper out make sure that the chain is hanging loose and not caught on something. This can cause the flapper to not close properly. An easy way to make sure that it is indeed the flapper that is causing the leak is to press the flapper down by hand. If the water stops running when the flapper is pressed down, it means that the flapper is faulty. Before you take the flapper out you would want to drain the tank. Close the stop valve next to the toilet and flush the toilet. The tank will now be empty and you can start taking out the flapper. Take the old flapper with as a sample when you go to the hardware store. They come in different shapes and sizes. Install the new flapper and your problem will be sorted!

These are the three causes of a running toilet and as you can see, anyone can fix it. The article How to fix a running toilet was written by the admin team of the DIY Hubby, for more articles please see the how-to category.

Here is a video by Home Repair Tutor on how to fix a toilet that keeps running.

Marc Smith

Marc is a seasoned expert in the DIY and power tool industries with a wealth of knowledge accumulated over three decades. He is an experienced tool reviewer and article writer.

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Children have always liked bunk beds more than the traditional single beds. There is just something special about being on the top bunk bed for some kids while others enjoy the enclosed feeling of the bottom bed.

Not only is it cheaper than buying two separate single beds, but it also saves a lot of space. It works exactly like the skyscraper principal; if you don’t have enough space on the ground, you build up.

Building bunk beds is a great project for the DIY enthusiast to tackle and will save you lots of money. It is absolutely priceless to see the joy on your children’s faces when you assemble the bunk beds you’ve made for them. Instant Super-Hero status!!

Below are the plans to build bunk beds.

First, you have to make the headboard and the footboard. These two frames are identical except for one difference. The headboard accommodates the guard rails and uses three blocks on the side instead of a single piece as shown below.

Below are more detailed measurements that you need to construct the headboard.

When you have constructed the headboard and the footboard, you have to make the side rails. You have to make two side rails that are identical.

When the side rails are completed, you can start with the assembly process.

The next step is to make the parts for the ladder assembly.

You can now go ahead and assemble all the parts and finish the project.

This is just one set of plans that we found on the internet, there are thousands of variants you can use to build bunk beds that suit your needs. Here are a few tips when choosing plans:

1. Make sure that the beds will be the right size. Look at the length of the beds in the plan and make sure that this is sufficient for the size of your children. You don’t want to go through all the effort only to realize that the beds are too small.
2. Choose a sturdy design. There are many designs that I would not use for a bigger child. This is where common sense comes in, look at the design and how solid the structure appears to be. This is not the end of the world as a flimsy structure can always be strengthened afterward.
3. Make sure that you have all the tools to make the cuts and joints required.
4. Do a material cost summary before you start the project. You do not want to get halfway through the project only to realize that it is going to cost way more than you thought. It is easily done, believe me!

Get access to over 16,000 woodworking plans  Find Out Here

Tools needed to complete the task

• Cutting tools like a hand saw, jigsaw and table saw. We have more information on the best jigsaw on this page.
• Drilling tools like a cordless drill and drill press. All our drill press reviews are here.
• Measuring equipment like tape measures and marked straight edge. These tools are very important to get the specifications spot on.
• Marking pen to mark all the measurements on the wood.
• Wood router to finish off all the edges and give your bunk beds that professional look.

Marc Smith

Marc is a seasoned expert in the DIY and power tool industries with a wealth of knowledge accumulated over three decades. He is an experienced tool reviewer and article writer.

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The post Picture Plans To Build Bunk Beds appeared first on The DIY Hubby - Tool Reviews And DIY Articles.