My toilette constants is running very slowly you can see the water trickling down into the bowl constantly. I'm assuming it has a leak somewhere? I don't want to call a plumber, I want to try and fix this myself, does anyone have any experience with this type of thing?
You probably have a leaky flush valve/flapper thing. It's a common problem. That's the little flat rubber thing at the bottom of the tank that controls the water going into the bowl. See the link below: http://home.howstuffworks.com/toilet1.htm You can tell if that's the problem by pressing down on it with your hand and seeing if the water stops trickling. If so, you probably just need to replace it. Here's a picture of what to buy. I don't know anything about brands. http://www.fluidmaster.com/flush_products_500.html If it sounds like it never stops refilling (the hissing sound after you flush never stops), then it could be a different issue, but I'm assuming that's not the case.
Replace the flapper and make sure the little hose that goes down the overflow tube from the filler valve doesn't have a kink or a leak in it. Also, on older toilets, there is a groove that goes down the inside of the overflow tube...make sure the hose is locked into that groove.
A quick and easy way to tell if your flapper valve is leaking....put a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If the color makes it into the bowl, you have a leak.
sounds like you need to replace the flapper. just had to replace mine and do it as soon as possible. my water bill went from $33 to $12 after i replaced mine.
If there is water running down the side of the bowl- it's source is from the tube-flowing from the water supply valve. I change these things constantly for my son, in-laws , nieces, etc. I am not a handy guy-repair type, but this is easy. Buy the brass type water supply valve with the " ball type float". This will last longer than the plastic kind with less hassle. It will be about $ 19.00. While you are at it replace the flapper at the bottom of the bowl- less than $ 5.00 anyway. You are good to go. After you install the parts try the flush a few times- you may have to gently bend the rod downward with the float ball to make the water supply valve close properly.
