Common Reasons Your Toilet Float Isn't Working and How to Fix It

When using a toilet, it's common for the float mechanism to malfunction, which can cause continuous water flow or ineffective flushing when the button is pressed. If the toilet float fails and water keeps flowing, here’s what to do.

What to Do If the Toilet Float Malfunction Causes Continuous Water Flow

If the float mechanism of the toilet has failed and is continuously filling with water, the first step is to shut off the water supply valve. Then, remove the lid from the tank and detach a plastic cover, usually blue, from the float assembly. Detach the other end of the float as well; inside, you will find a black rubber gasket that is circular in shape. Reassemble all parts back to their original state, as these components may not be functioning properly, causing the water to keep filling. It may be necessary to replace the float valve assembly.

What to Do If the Toilet Tank is Full but Still Filling

1、If the toilet tank is full but still filling, it can waste water. In this case, first try resetting the button on the lid; it may have pushed in too far and can be popped back out.

2、You can also perform a simple test by manually lifting the float to see if water still enters the tank. If it does not, the float may be positioned incorrectly, and adjusting its height can help close the water supply valve via buoyancy. If water continues to flow with the float raised, this likely indicates that some internal components of the fill valve are malfunctioning and need replacing.

3、Additionally, check for water spilling over from the tank; this may indicate a problem with the fill valve's quality or installation issue. Replacing the faulty valve with one of the same specifications is recommended.

4、Many parts of the toilet, including the fill valve and the float gasket, can wear out over time, leading to various issues. It’s advisable to conduct regular maintenance.

In summary：if the toilet is experiencing a leak, it’s essential to identify which component is malfunctioning and replace it accordingly.