Why does my toilet keep running after flushing?

A constantly running toilet is almost always caused by a faulty flapper valve, a float set too high, or a worn fill valve. Start by checking the flapper — if it does not seal flat against the drain seat, replace it. This is a $5-$10 fix that takes under 10 minutes.

How do I unclog a toilet without a plunger?

Pour one cup of dish soap and hot (not boiling) water into the bowl and wait 15 minutes. The soap lubricates the clog and the heat breaks it down. If that fails, a toilet auger will clear 95% of clogs without a plunger.

What is the best toilet brand in 2026?

TOTO leads for flush performance and longevity. Kohler is best for design variety. American Standard offers the best value under $300. The right brand depends on your rough-in measurement, bowl shape, and budget.

What is rough-in measurement for a toilet?

Rough-in is the distance from the wall behind your toilet to the center of the floor drain bolt holes. Standard US rough-in is 12 inches. Buying the wrong rough-in size is the number one installation mistake homeowners make.

Toilet Parts Identifier — Name Every Part & Find Fix Guides

Toilet Parts Identifier — Name Every Part & Find Fix Guides | ToiletsExpert

Not sure what a toilet part is called or what it does? Click any component in the interactive diagram to get its name, function, common failure signs, and a direct link to the repair guide. Every toilet part — from flapper to fill valve to wax ring — explained in plain English.

🔍 Free Tool

Toilet Parts Identifier

Click any part on the diagram — or tap a name below — to see what it does, what goes wrong, and exactly how to fix it.

👆 Click any numbered circle on the diagram, or use the list →

Exterior Parts (1–10)

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Select a part to see details

Click any numbered circle on the diagram or tap a part name from the list above.

Frequently Asked Questions

The five main parts inside a toilet tank are: (1) the flapper — a rubber seal that releases water during a flush; (2) the fill valve — refills the tank after each flush; (3) the flush valve — the seat the flapper sits on; (4) the overflow tube — prevents flooding if the fill valve fails; and (5) the handle and trip lever — what you push to start the flush.

Rubber parts like flappers and fill valve seals typically last 3–7 years. Fill valves and flush valves made of quality plastic last 5–10 years. The porcelain tank and bowl can last 50+ years if not cracked. Hard water and certain toilet bowl tablets (containing bleach) accelerate wear on rubber and plastic components significantly.

A constantly running toilet is almost always caused by a worn flapper ($5–$10 to replace), a misadjusted float that lets the fill valve overfill, or a fill valve that won’t shut off. Test: add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing within 15 minutes, the flapper is leaking.

Yes — almost all toilet tank components are DIY-friendly. Flappers, fill valves, and flush valves are available at any hardware store for $5–$40 and require only a pair of pliers and 15–60 minutes. The only toilet repairs that typically require a professional are wax ring replacement (requires removing the toilet) and flange repair (may involve subfloor work).