Building Maintenance Technician how-to
How to Fix a Running Toilet
Running toilets waste water and are one of the most common work orders.
Quick answer
Running toilets waste water and are one of the most common work orders. In short: remove; check; adjust, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Remove the tank lid and watch the fill cycle.
Check whether water is overflowing into the overflow tube.
Adjust the float to lower the water level if needed.
Inspect the flapper for wear and replace it if it doesn’t seal.
Check the chain length so the flapper closes fully.
Flush and confirm the toilet stops running.
Safety reminders for building maintenance technicians
- Turn off and verify power before electrical work
- Use ladders correctly and keep three points of contact
- Follow lockout/tagout for equipment
- Wear gloves and eye protection with chemicals and tools
Key terms
Work order · Preventive maintenance · Make-ready · GFCI · Breaker · P-trap: see the full building maintenance technician glossary.