DAKS Hacks: How to Fix a Running Toilet in Kent

Is your toilet constantly filling and creating an annoying sound? You’re not alone. Many homeowners across Kent, including Swanley, Dartford, Orpington, and Bexley, deal with this common plumbing issue. A running toilet wastes water, increases your utility bills, and can often be fixed at home with simple tools. This guide from DAKS Plumbing shows you how to fix a running toilet in Kent quickly and confidently.

Why Fixing a Running Toilet Matters

A constantly filling toilet can waste hundreds of litres of water a day. That’s bad for your wallet and the environment. According to WaterSafe, one dripping or leaking toilet can waste over 200 litres daily — enough to fill a bathtub. Fixing it not only restores quiet but also cuts water waste dramatically.

Understanding How Your Toilet Works

Before you fix a running toilet in Kent, it helps to know the key parts inside the cistern:

• Float – Controls the water level inside the tank.
• Fill valve – Refills the tank after each flush.
• Flush valve – Seals the tank and releases water to the bowl.
• Overflow tube – Prevents flooding by directing excess water into the bowl.

When any of these components fail, water keeps running into the bowl instead of shutting off properly.

Common Causes of a Running Toilet

• Stuck or misaligned float – Keeps water entering the tank endlessly.
• Worn or dirty flush valve – Stops the valve from sealing fully.
• Incorrect water level – Allows water to spill into the overflow tube.
• Damaged diaphragm or seal – Causes leaks between the tank and bowl.

How to Fix a Running Toilet in Kent

1. Check and Adjust the Overflow Tube

If your water level is too high, it may spill into the overflow tube. Remove the tank lid and make sure the water level sits about an inch below the top of the tube. If it’s too high, adjust the float arm or float cup using a screwdriver or pliers.

2. Clean or Replace the Flush Valve

Debris and mineral build-up often prevent the rubber diaphragm from sealing. Turn off the water supply, flush the toilet to empty the tank, and clean the valve seat with a soft cloth or silicone spray. If the valve or rubber seal is warped or cracked, replace it.

3. Inspect and Adjust the Float

If the float is set too high, it will keep triggering the fill valve. Lower the float by adjusting the screw on the float arm or sliding the float cup down its rod until the water shuts off correctly.

4. Replace a Faulty Flush Assembly

If cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, fit a new flush valve assembly. Remove the old one, attach the new valve into place, reconnect any clips or hooks, and test. This repair can prevent hundreds of litres of wasted water every week.

When to Call a Professional

If you can’t locate a like-for-like valve or your toilet has an older concealed cistern, it’s best to contact a professional plumber. Our Plumbing Services and Leak Detection team in Kent can quickly diagnose and repair the issue safely.

Preventing Future Toilet Problems

• Clean the flush valve rubber seal every few months.
• Check the water level after every major repair.
• Inspect for leaks or worn seals regularly.
• Schedule annual plumbing maintenance to catch problems early.

Areas We Cover

DAKS Plumbing proudly serves Swanley, Dartford, Orpington, Bexley, and surrounding areas across Kent. Our expert team can help you fix a running toilet in Kent or handle any other household plumbing issue quickly and affordably.

Need Expert Help?

Don’t let a noisy toilet drive you mad or waste your money. Contact DAKS Plumbing today — your local specialists who can fix a running toilet in Kent fast and professionally.