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Toilet Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom

Check
Click on underlined items for further information

It periodically refills (or flushes) by itself

I hear water running

I have to jiggle the handle to make it stop
It won't stop filling (or flushing)
There is water on the floor, but it did not overflow
  • Read our article on refilling
  • Check the water valve & tank connection
  • Check the tank bolts
  • Replace the tank gasket
  • Replace the wax seal
The toilet bowl overflowed
The tank overflowed
Nothing happens when I push the handle
  • Check the lift chain
  • If there is no water in the tank, check
    the flapper valve
  • Tighten or replace the handle
  • Check that the water valve is on
The bowl does not refill with enough water
The tank does not refill
The bowl is not completely flushed out
  • Increase the fill level in the tank
  • Adjust the handle linkage
  • Clear the drain
I smell an unpleasant odor
  • You may smell sewer gas. It can come from any drain in the bathroom. But if it is the toilet, then the wax ring is probably not properly sealed.
The toilet rocks back and forth
  • The flange bolts may be loose. Do not over tighten.
  • The putty under the perimeter of the pedestal may need to be replaced.
  • The wax ring may not be sealed properly

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