How to Fix a Running Toilet: Easy DIY Guide

Posted on February 27, 2026 by weilhammerplumbing

TL;DR: Most running toilets are caused by a faulty flapper, a high water level, or a leaky fill valve. This guide walks you through diagnosing and fixing each issue in under 30 minutes—no plumber required.

Key Takeaways:

Check the flapper first—it’s the most common culprit
Adjust the float so the water level sits below the overflow tube
Replace the fill valve if the water still won’t stop running

Table of Contents:

Understanding Why Your Toilet is Running
Step 1: Inspect the Flapper
Step 2: Adjust the Water Level
Step 3: Repair or Replace the Fill Valve
When to Call a Professional
FAQ
Quick Recap
Schedule Toilet Repair in Indianapolis

Call 317-784-1870 for an Affordable Toilet Running Fix in Indianapolis

Understanding Why Your Toilet is Running

A running toilet is more than an annoyance—it’s a quiet drain on your water bill. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water every single day. That’s roughly 6,000 gallons a month, all disappearing down the drain without a single flush.

The good news? The fix is often simpler than you’d expect.

A running toilet is typically caused by one of three things: water leaking from the tank into the bowl through a faulty flapper, a float that’s set too high—allowing water to spill into the overflow tube—or a fill valve that’s no longer shutting off properly. Identifying which issue you’re dealing with is the first step toward fixing it.

Before you do anything else, turn off the water supply valve located at the base of the toilet and remove the tank lid. Set it somewhere safe. Now you’re ready to diagnose.

Step One: Inspect the Flapper

The flapper is the most common cause of a running toilet, so always check here first. The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. Every time you flush, it lifts to let water flow into the bowl, then drops back down to stop the flow. Over time, flappers can warp, crack, or accumulate mineral buildup—and when that happens, they can no longer form a tight seal.

To check if the flapper is leaking:

Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank
Wait 15–30 minutes without flushing
If the color appears in the bowl, your flapper is leaking

Reach into the tank and feel the flapper. It should be soft and flexible. A stiff, brittle, or visibly warped flapper needs replacing. Fortunately, replacement flappers are inexpensive—usually just a few dollars at any hardware store—and most snap on and off in minutes.

While you’re in there, check the chain. The chain connects the flapper to the flush handle. If it’s too long, it can get caught under the flapper and prevent a proper seal. If it’s too short, the flapper won’t close at all. The ideal length leaves about half an inch of slack.

Step Two: Adjust the Water Level

If the flapper isn’t the problem, a water level that’s too high is likely causing water to spill constantly into the overflow tube. Open the tank and look at the overflow tube—the tall open pipe in the middle of the tank. If water is running into or near the top of that tube, your float is sitting too high.

The float is the buoyant device that rises with the water level and tells the fill valve when to shut off. Ideally, the water level should sit one to two inches below the top of the overflow tube. If it’s higher than that, water will drain continuously into the bowl.

To lower the water level:

Locate the float adjustment screw at the top of the fill valve
Turn it counterclockwise to lower the float
Flush and refill the tank to check the new water level
Repeat until the water stops before reaching the overflow tube

Some older toilets use a ball-cock float—a round ball attached to a metal arm. In that case, gently bend the arm downward to lower the float position.

Step Three: Repair or Replace the Fill Valve

If you’ve adjusted the float and water is still running, the fill valve itself is likely worn out. The fill valve is the tall vertical component that connects to the water supply line and refills the tank after each flush. Inspect the top of the valve—if water is spraying or trickling from it, the internal seal has degraded and replacement is the most reliable solution.

To replace the fill valve:

Turn off the water supply valve at the base of the toilet
Flush to drain as much water from the tank as possible
Use a towel to soak up any remaining water in the tank
Disconnect the supply line from the bottom of the tank
Unscrew and remove the old fill valve
Insert the new valve, following the manufacturer’s instructions
Reconnect the supply line, turn the water back on, and test

Replacement fill valves are widely available at hardware stores, and many come with detailed instructions. If hard water is common in your area, consider a valve that is rated for mineral-heavy environments—it’ll last significantly longer.

When to Call a Professional Plumber for Toilet Repair

Some toilet problems go beyond a worn flapper or a misbehaving float—and it’s important to recognize when DIY repairs have their limits. Contact a licensed plumber if you notice any of the following:

Cracked porcelain on the tank or bowl
Water leaking at the base of the toilet
Persistent running after replacing the flapper and fill valve
High water pressure throughout the home, which can cause ongoing toilet issues
Toilets manufactured before 1994, which may use significantly more than 1.6 gallons per flush and could benefit from full replacement

Need professional help? Schedule professional toilet repair in Indianapolis with Weilhammer Plumbing Company for fast, reliable service.

FAQ

Why does my toilet run every few minutes?

This is called “phantom flushing” and it usually means the flapper is leaking slowly. Water gradually seeps from the tank into the bowl until the level drops low enough to trigger the fill valve. Replacing the flapper typically resolves this.

Why is my toilet running after I flush?

If the toilet keeps running after flushing, the fill valve may not be shutting off properly—often because the float is set too high or the fill valve seal is worn. Work through Steps 2 and 3 above to diagnose the issue.

Why is my toilet running constantly?

Constant running usually means water is either flowing past the flapper into the bowl or spilling into the overflow tube without stopping. Check the flapper seal first, then assess the water level relative to the overflow tube.

Does a running toilet increase my water bill?

Yes, significantly. The EPA notes that a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons per day—roughly 6,000 gallons per month. Depending on your local water rates, that can add a noticeable amount to your monthly bill.

How much does it cost to fix a running toilet?

DIY repairs are very affordable. A replacement flapper typically costs $5–$15, while a fill valve runs between $10 and $25. If you call a plumber, labor costs vary by location but the repair is generally straightforward and quick for a professional.

Quick Recap:

Turn off the water supply valve before inspecting the tank
Check the flapper for warping, brittleness, or chain length issues
Adjust the float so water levels off 1–2 inches below the overflow tube
Replace the fill valve if water continues to run after adjustments
Call a professional if you suspect cracked porcelain, base leaks, or persistent issues

Stop the Waste, Lower Your Bill

A running toilet is one of those problems that’s easy to ignore—until you see the water bill. The underlying cause is almost always mechanical, and in most cases, a new flapper or a quick float adjustment is all it takes to solve it.

Work through the steps in this guide and you’ll likely have your toilet running quietly again within the hour. And if the problem turns out to be more complex, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. A small repair today can prevent a much larger plumbing issue down the line.

Ready to get it fixed? Schedule professional toilet repair in Indianapolis and surrounding counties today for fast, reliable service. Our master plumbers know how to approach your toilet running issue with a quick, long-lasting solution.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Plumbing

Posted on September 16, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you are a first-time homeowner or have owned your house for a long time, it is vital to stay up to date with your plumbing systems. Reviewing some common tips and general information from time to time can refresh your memory and help you do a better job of taking care of your home. Continue reading to review some unique, but important, frequently asked questions about home plumbing.

Residential Plumber Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Home Plumbing FAQS You Want to Know

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that is polluted with high levels of contaminates, such as iron salts, calcium, and magnesium. If you are starting to notice subtle changes in your dishes, skin, laundry, and plumbing fixtures, it may be related to a hard water issue. A water filtration system, coupled with a quality water softener, can eliminate these mineral ions plus reduce the level of hardness in your home’s water.

Why Does My Water Take So Long to Heat Up?

There are some common reasons why your water heater might be taking too long to heat your water up. Most often, the water heater is just too old or defective. Otherwise, you could have too much sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, low volume restrictors installed on your plumbing fixtures, or too much distance between the location of the water heater and your point-of-demand. To fix this problem, you will need to contact a professional Indianapolis plumber who specializes in hot water heater repair and service.

How Do I Unclog a Backed Up Toilet?

Large debris can get stuck, like toilet paper, hair ties, and more. In this case, you will need to use your plunger to plunge the toilet bowl for 30 seconds. But before you do, be sure there is not too much water in the toilet bowl. If there is, empty as much water as needed with a separate cup or bowl. Try flushing the toilet to see if the plunger loosened up the clog. If it didn’t, try again or check to see if the flapper is the issue. If you cannot clear a clogged toilet bowl with a plunger, then you will need to call a licensed plumber for help.

How Do I Remove the Crusty Substance on the Shower Head and Faucet?

Remove the shower head by unscrewing it from the spout. Place it in a bowl with hot water and one cup of household vinegar. Leave it overnight then scrub it clean the next morning. If you cannot screw the shower head off, put the vinegar solution in a plastic bag and place it over the spout, attaching and securing it with a tie. If the substance does come off completely, re-do the process using less water and more vinegar.

How Do I Get Rid of Odor in My Garbage Disposal?

The odor most likely is coming from an accumulation of food scraps and other debris. To remove the smell, you can put a mixture of ice cubes and lemon peels down the disposal and run it, then with disposal still running, flush it with cold water for a minute. If this does not do the trick completely, add a few drops of dish soap with cold water for another thirty seconds. This household remedy is a popular solution to foul smelling garbage disposals.

How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped?

An inspection or cleaning should be done once every few years or so, depending on the size of the make and model septic system in place. In smaller systems, once every three years is sufficient; however, a large tank would require an inspection once every two years or less. The larger the system, the more often it will require service.

Am I Smelling Natural Gas in My House?

Natural gas smells like rotten eggs. If you smell this in your home or building, first, turn off all appliances that use gas. Then open a few windows or doors to let the gas air out. Once you have done this, check the range, water heater, and furnace pilot lights; if one light is out, relight it. If they are not the issue, call your local gas provider and report the smell right away.

Why Did My Plumbing Pipes Go Bad?

There are several reasons why plumbing pipes go bad. It can be due to old age, poor installation, incompatibility, material quality issues, corrosion, external structural damages, and much more.

Should I Re-Pipe or Repair the Plumbing?

In many cases, plumbing pipes do not require replaced, but rather repaired. If one or two plumbing pipes burst or incur some sort of damage, they can simply be replaced through trenchless piping or other repair techniques. However, there are other cases in which the whole house plumbing system should be re-piped. Talk to in Indianapolis plumber to determine the best course of action for your plumbing pipe renovation needs.

How Do I Know if I Have a Plumbing Leak?

As someone who regularly pays your water and energy bills, you know when something is a little off. Suddenly higher utility bills are one of the first signs of a hidden plumbing leak in the home. If you are utility bills are higher than usual, or have seen a sudden spike in cost, it could be an indication that you have a hidden plumbing leak somewhere in your system. First, contact your utility company to confirm that your bill is correct, and if it is, your next step is to contact in licensed plumber for a home plumbing inspection in Indianapolis.

Do you think your plumbing system could use some TLC? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients and are state-licensed master plumbers.

Do Not Let Your Guests Flush These Things Down the Toilet

Posted on July 8, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Summertime is a time for loved ones. With school out all season long, now is the prime time to visit family. Although enriching and enjoyable, hosting family from out of town can certainly pose some challenges, especially when kids are involved. Yet somehow, regardless of age, house guests tend to cause some plumbing challenges during their stays, particularly with the toilet, which is problematic considering the acute importance of having a functional toilet at all times, even more so when people are staying with you! So, if you are preparing to have family come into town for a visit, do your due diligence to ensure they don’t flush the wrong things down the toilet. Your plumbing and sewer system will thank you!

Continue below for a list of things that you might want to warn your house guests about before showing them to their rooms!

Toilet Repair Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Stick to the Obvious Flushing Rules

People tend to overlook the fact that most things do not belong in the toilet. Other than human waste, and toilet paper, nothing else should be flushed down the commode. This makes the list of incompatible items quite long, as you can imagine. But when it comes to house guests, there are some items that are more commonly a threat to your toilet. Give your guests a customary orientation on what not to flush down your toilets and sleep easier knowing you won’t be waking up to a mass overflow or backup.

Common Items That Should Not Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Avoid inconvenient toilet disasters and costly plumbing repair bills by telling your guests not to flush these items down the toilet:

Moist Towelettes and Wipes

Moist towelettes, disinfecting wipes, alcohol pads, and bathroom wipes should not be flushed. Even bathroom wipes that are advertised as “flushable” are not really flush-friendly nor do they disintegrate well. These items are notorious for causing backups in sewer systems and plumbing pipes. This can lead to pipe bursts, water leaks, and hefty repair bills.

Paper towels and tissue are also bad news for toilets. They should never be flushed, even if they are totally saturated.

Feminine Products

Items like tampons, maxi-pads, disposal underwear, incontinence products, and more are not meant to be flushed. These items expand in water and will quickly clog up your system. Rather than flushing, instruct your house guests to wrap them in toilet paper and toss them into the trash bin. The same applies to contraceptives like condoms.

Cotton Swabs, Balls and Pads

You wouldn’t think something as small and flimsy as a cotton swab or cotton ball would harm your plumbing system, but as it turns out, they are a common culprit behind toilet and sewer system backups. Like the other items listed, cotton balls, swabs, and rounds are made using highly absorbent materials, so they expand inside plumbing pipes and obstruct the flow of wastewater. Never allow your guests to toss these into the toilet.

Baby Diapers

Disposal and cloth baby diapers should be an obvious flushing no-no, yet they tend to top the list as far as toilet clogs go, especially in public restrooms. Never attempt to flush a diaper down the toilet, no matter how small or clean. They are large and highly absorbent, making them an instant plumbing obstruction.

Fireworks

Although the Fourth of July comes once a year, fireworks tend to linger all summer long. But do not let your curious niece or nephew drop a firecracker down the toilet! Placing a lit firework in the toilet will break the toilet, guaranteed. And if it doesn’t crack the porcelain bowl entirely in half (which is what normally occurs), it will damage the internal trap and fail to hold in the water. Can you say, toilet replacement?

Dead Fish and Amphibians

You may have been raised flushing dead goldfish, crawdads, and minnows down the toilet, but this is actually bad practice. Not only can fish and shellfish caused obstructions in the sewer system, but sometimes they are not actually dead, which can lead to an infestation. Stick to burrowing your dead pets or tossing your deceased fishy into the neighborhood pond.

Additional Items to Warn Guests About:

□ Dental Floss
□ Hair
□ Dryer Sheets
□ Razor Blades
□ Cosmetics
□ Plastic Wrappers
□ Toys

Are you having toilet or plumbing issues? Do you need plumbing service or repair before your family arrives for a summer visit? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need professional and affordable plumbing services for toilets, drains, showers, tubs, water heaters, water softeners, and more. We serve residential and commercial clients in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana.

How to Stop an Overflowing Toilet

Posted on April 6, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

An overflowing toilet isn’t just a frustrating and panicky problem to experience, but it’s also typically a nasty one. Fortunately, there are easy solutions for fixing an overflowing toilet right in the moment and preventing it from happening again in the future. Continue reading to learn how to stop an overflowing toilet and who to trust in central Indiana for quality plumbing service and repair.

Toilet Plumbing Services Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

What To Do When Your Toilet is Overflowing

The great thing about an overflowing toilet—and we know what you’re thinking; “What could possibly be great about a toilet that is overflowing its unsanitary contents all of your bathroom floor?” Nonetheless, there is a positive element, and that is the fact that you can usually fix an overflowing toilet on your own.

Here are some supplies you might want to have on hand for emergency purposes in the case of the toilet is ever overflowing: rubber gloves, disposable towels, plunger, auger, and disinfecting solution.

Here’s What To Do:

SHUT OFF THE WATER SUPPLY

The first thing you want to do when your toilet starts to overflow is shut off the water supply. There is a valve located at the base your toilet that supplies the water to the toilet. Turn this valve counterclockwise, following the age old phrase lefty-loosey & righty-tighty, to stop the water from entering your toilet. To further protect your home from water damages and flooding, turn off the main water supply to the home as well while you work on the problem.

It is important to know exactly where your main water shut off valve is in your home for these types of flood-level emergencies. Main water shut off valves are commonly located in mud rooms or utility rooms, or in the garage or basement. Once you turn the water supply off, either to your toilet or to your home, the toilet should not continue to overflow water. However, you still need to deal with the water that has already overflowed.

CLEAN UP

It is critical to clean up a flooding mishap or large water spill, like an overflowed toilet, as possible to prevent water damages. If you allow water to sit on the floor, even for fifteen or twenty minutes, it can seep through the floorboards and into the home’s insulation and so forth. This can cause all sorts of wood rot, mold growth, and structural deterioration. It can also lead to foundation problems and repairs, which are both costly and invasive.

Allowing dirty toilet water to sit even for five or ten minutes on your bathroom floor can cause warping, discoloration, mold development, and all sorts of other design and aesthetic defects in laminate, tile, vinyl, and wood floors. Just be sure to clean up the overflowing toilet mess. As soon as it happens, to prevent further problems and frustrations down the road.

SOLVE THE TOILET PROBLEM

Your next step in the process of fixing an overflowing toilet is to actually fix the toilet. You need to determine what caused your toilet overflow and remedy the problem so that your toilet does not continue to have overflow incidents in the future. Clogs are one of the most common causes of an overflowing toilet, so use your plunger or auger (drain snake) to release anything causing an obstruction. You can also take a look in the toilet tank to see if anything is disconnected or clogged. If you can’t figure out what the problem is with your toilet, contact a local Indianapolis plumber for toilet inspection and repair.

Are you having some serious toilet problems that require some professional attention? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for plumbing repair and service for toilets and bathrooms in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

How to Fix a Clogged Toilet When You Do Not Have a Plunger

Posted on January 19, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet clogs are the worst. And they seem to always happen at the worst times, like when you are already running late for your dinner reservation, or when the pizza delivery shows up at your door and you have 5 hangry mouths to feed. To make matters even worse, you can’t find your plunger! Fortunately, there are several easy and effective ways to unclog a toilet without using a plunger, and they can all be done within a few minutes’ time.

Continue below to learn some of the top-recommended methods of fixing a clogged toilet when there is no plunger in sight. All of these methods require common household items you are sure to have on hand!

Toilet Plumbing Repair Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Unclog a Toilet Without Using a Plunger

Hot Water

If you have a sink or bathtub that provides on-demand hot water, this could be your first, go-to weapon against a clogged toilet. Simply fill up a pan or pot with heated water, but not boiling. Then just dump the hot water down your toilet bowl. Wait 3 to 5 minutes to see of the clog begins to release on its own. If so, flush the toilet once or twice to move the process along. If this does not work, try out some of these other methods!

Toilet Fizz

Not only can you use a simply solution of baking soda and distilled white vinegar to unclog a toilet, but you can also take it step further and make your own toilet bomb. Like a bath bomb, toilet bombs explode into a fizzy frenzy when dropped in water. Their bubbling action and cleansing ingredients work well against toilet clogs.

Be prepared, these methods will cause the toilet to overflow more if it is already filled to the brim. Place a towel below to catch any runoff. To use the basic combo, pour 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Wait 30 minutes and then pour a pot of hot water down the toilet bowl. Give it a flush or two and the clog should be gone!

If you want to make a homemade fizzy toilet bomb, combine 1 cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of citric acid, and 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap into a bowl. Then pack the paste-like mixture into an empty ice cube tray and let it dry for 2 hours. Store them in an air-sealed container or mason jar. To use, just drop one into your toilet bowl, wait 30 minutes, then finish with a hot water pour.

Liquid Dish Soap

If you have liquid dish soap in the house, you could potentially have a secret weapon for fixing toilet clogs. Just pour a generous amount of it inside your toilet bowl (about a fourth of a cup), allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then finish with a hot water pour. After a few flushes, the soap should work as an effective lubricant, allowing the clog to release and flow down.

Wire Hanger

Mommy Dearest would allow you to use a wire hanger for toilet clogs! Just find one that is thin enough for you to bend into a hook. Use it like you would a drain snake or auger, pushing it into the bowl to looses any obstructions. Repeat and flush as needed!

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

4 Causes of a Slow Flushing Toilet

Posted on July 28, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Is your toilet taking too long to flush? Does the water take too long to fill back up in the bowl? Continue reading to learn the top 4 reasons why you might have a toilet that flushes slowly, and how to fix the problem within budget.

Indianapolis Toilet Repair and Replacement 317-784-1870

What is Your Toilet Flush So Slowly?

Lack of Tank Water

When there is not enough water in the toilet tank, it can cause weak flushing. When you flush your toilet, the water from the tank is being released into the toilet bowl. So, when there is an insufficient level of water in the tank, it decreases the force of the downward suction of the flush, and therefore affects the rate at which the water enters and clears. The most common reasons why you might be dealing with a lack of tank water include low water pressure, malfunctioning trip assembly, incorrectly adjusted fill valves, and similar internal component issues.

Defective Flapper Valve

Another reason why you might have a slowly flushing toilet could be due to a damaged or defective flapper valve. A flapper valve is that little rubber stopper at the bottom of your toilet tank. It opens and closes as you flush the toilet, releasing water into the bowl, and then stopping the release of water. If the valve becomes damaged, worn, or defective, it loses its ability to properly close off the opening between the tank and the toilet bowl. If you have a “running toilet” problem, it is likely caused by a worn or broken flapper valve. Fortunately, this is an inexpensive and easy part to replace.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains can cause all sorts of problems within a home’s plumbing, including the toilet. If your drains are clogged, it can cause toilet flushing to slow down because the obstruction is slowing down the movement of water through your plumbing system. To prevent this, it is important to enlist a local Indianapolis plumber for annual home plumbing inspections and drain clearing services. You can also make your own homemade drain dissolving cleaner for under $10!

Sediment Accumulation

A more serious underlying culprit behind a slow flushing toilet is sediment accumulation around the jet holes. Jet holes are located under the rim of the toilet, and therefore commonly overlooked when it comes to routine cleaning. For this reason, mineral and sediment buildup are very common around these areas. When jet holes are obstructed by mineral accumulation, it can block the water flow coming through your toilet, therefore slowing down the flush. If this is your toilet issue, simply roll up your sleeves and give those jet holes a good scrubbing with distilled white vinegar and baking soda.

Are you looking for a skilled plumber who can help you with your toilet repair and replacement needs? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients and offer free advice.

You Might Also Like:

Tips for Detecting Toilet Leaks
How to Fix a Running Toilet Handle
The Benefits of Dual Flush Toilets

How to Tighten Up a Toilet Lever That is Loose

Posted on June 9, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet levers, or handles, are used several times a day; so, it is no surprise that they begin to loosen overtime. Although not a serious repair, it is important to remedy a loose toilet lever because it can affect toilet performance and efficiency. Not only is a toilet with poor flushing performance unpleasant and unsanitary, but its inefficiency can also increase monthly water bills. Fortunately, this is generally an easy fix, and one that you can accomplish all on your own with a few simple adjustments.

Continue reading to review a step-by-step guide on tightening a loose toilet tank lever.

Indianapolis Bathroom Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

How to Fix a Loose Toilet Handle:

What You Will Need

To tighten up a loose toilet tank handle, you won’t require very many tools or supplies. That is because it is not a very invasive repair. Most likely, you will already have the tools necessary to get the job done. This saves you time by avoiding a trip to the local home improvement store. All you need is your own two hands and an adjustable wrench.

How to Do It:

✅ Start by locating the water shut-off valve for the toilet. The supply pipe and handle should be behind the tank. Turn off the water supply to the toilet by rotating the shut-off valve handle clockwise.

✅ Once the shutoff valve is closed, remove the toilet tank lid. Grab both sides and lift upwards. It should not be sealed or connected to the toilet. Place it down slowly on a flat, stable surface so you do not crack or break it.

✅ You will now need to empty the tank of water. Do this by simply flushing the toilet with the handle. It is easier to adjust a loose toilet lever without water in the tank.

✅ Now look for the metal nut that secures the toilet lever to the inside of the tank. This is the nut that has come loose. Standard screws and other threaded hardware are forward threaded, but toilet lever nuts and screws are reverse-threaded with a plastic washer. This helps to prevent loosening overtime.

✅ Use your adjustable wrench to tighten the nut. Do this by grasping the nut with your wrench and turning it clockwise. Continue turning the nut until you begin to feel resistance. Once you feel this resistance, make only a couple more turns until it is difficult to turn any more. Be careful to not overdo it and accidentally crack the tank.

✅ Next, test the lever’s tightness and performance by pressing it as if you were flushing the toilet. If it does not compress well, it is too tight, and you will need to loosen it by one or two rotations. Loosen counterclockwise with your wrench.

✅ Finish by turning your water supply to the toilet back on!

Still having problems with your toilet or bathroom plumbing? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services at an affordable price. We provide residential and commercial plumbing service and repair.

You Might Also Read:

How to Fix a Running Toilet Handle
3 Toilet Problems SOLVED!
The Two-Step Method to Fixing a Clogged Toilet

4 Ways to Go Green With Home Plumbing

Posted on November 11, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Anytime of year is a good time to re-plan your budgets and finances. If you are looking to save some money this season or next, a great way to do so is by going green. Remember to turn off your lights, cut back on waste, reuse as much as possible, drive less, and so forth. As for your home plumbing, it can get greener too. Continue below to learn 4 effective and lucrative ways to go green with home plumbing.

Indianapolis Master Plumbing Service 317-784-1870 — Interested in installing a duel-flush toilet to save money? Call 317-784-1870 today!

Green Plumbing is a Trend That Will Never Fade Away

There is really no good reason to not save money when you can. When it comes to plumbing, there are several ways to lessen your water and energy consumption, thus reducing your monthly utility bills. As an added bonus, you and your family are doing wonders to support and preserve our Earth’s natural resources! Although there are many changes and additions to choose from in order to obtain greener plumbing practices, you can easily start by focusing on the top 4 methods recommended by other green homeowners. These include replacing shower heads and faucets, installing low volume water restrictors, updating the water heater, and switching to high-efficiency appliances.

Shower Head and Faucet Replacement

Shower heads, faucets, and related plumbing fixtures are designed to last, but not forever. At some point in time, over the course of just a few years sometimes, these fixtures begin to decrease in efficiency. In fact, you can usually tell when they need to be replaced because they begin to show problems with their performance. Not only will new shower heads and faucets support proper performance, which in turn increases efficiency, but you can take it a step further and actually opt for environmentally-friendly plumbing fixtures that are designed to use up to 30% less than standard ones.

Water Heater Upgrade

Your water heater is a prime plumbing appliance in your home. After all, without hot water on demand, we are back in the dark ages. Hot water is important for function, quality of life, and even our health. So, it is important to ensure your hot water heater is performing optimally; otherwise, you could be losing quite of bit of money due to wasted water and energy. One way to go green with home plumbing is to simply update or replace your water heater. Talk to a local water heater repair professional to learn whether or not your hot water heater requires some maintenance or a full-on replacement. There are plenty of energy-efficient water heaters on the market today that make great options for green living.

Low Volume Water Restrictor Installation

Another option for going green is to mitigate your home’s water consumption. One way to do this is to have a professional plumber install low volume water restrictors. Also known as pressure-reducing valves, low volume water restrictors lessen the amount of water forced through fixtures like shower heads and faucets. In turn, they reduce your home’s monthly water consumption without you even realizing it. Your home’s current water pressure setting is likely close to the average residential water pressure setting, which 70psi. However, pressure-reducing valves reduce this up to half the volume, which is still plenty for a comfortable living.

High-Efficiency Appliance Procurement

Another easy and instant way to go green with home plumbing is to make the switch to high-efficiency, or higher-efficiency, appliances. Appliances to consider include toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, water softeners, and water purification systems. Take your toilets for instance; they typically use an average of 3½ gallons of water PER FLUSH. With a high-efficiency toilet, you can reduce this average to 1½ gallons or less! In fact, duel flush toilets are a popular choice for improved flush efficiency and water preservation.

Talk to a Trusted Indianapolis Master Plumber for Green Plumbing Advice and Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for green plumbing advice or routine plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide free estimates, free advice, and a wide range of affordable plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis water hammer repair, today.

What’s the Deal With Toilet Paper?

Posted on October 22, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet paper has been a part of your life since the day you were weened off diapers. So naturally, toilet paper has taken on the form of something so necessary that we never really dig deeper on its role in our everyday lives. But really; what’s the deal with toilet paper? Well, ‘tis the season to talk about it, as toilet paper sales tend to soar this time of year.

Continue below to learn how toilet paper works, and a few other related facts that might just surprise you.

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Brief History of Toilet Paper

Everyone has a personal, internal disposal system, leaving us to all have one thing in common, a need for a good wipe. So, in comes toilet paper, our rear-end’s savior for a comfortable, convenient, and hygienic solution to post-elimination cleanup. Before TP, ancient peoples use everything from rocks and seashells, to hay, straw, and fibrous plant material to satisfy their need to wipe. Fortunately, in the 6th century C.E., China finally invented paper, which they made from the pulp of mulberry trees. At that time, they also decided that paper was the way to go when it comes to post-go wiping.

Although used around the world by several ethnicities, cultures, and societies, Americans take the cake as the top consumers. But it wasn’t always that way. Even back in the 1800’s, people were mostly using pages torn out of Old Farmer’s Almanacs and Sears catalogs. As time went on, a guy invented a hemp-based sheet formulated with aloe, as a remedy for hemorrhoids. From there, American capitalism took inertia, and eventually grew into a multi-billion dollar industry, just in the states.

FUN FACT: When Sears Roebuck changed their catalogs to a glossy page material, many consumers complained because it just wasn’t as comfortable as the paper pages they had before! Even the Old Farmer’s Almanac added holes in the corner of their pages so they would be easier to hang from a hook in the outhouse!

How Much Toilet Paper Do You Use?

Research and statistics reveal that in the United States alone, more than 6 billion dollars are spent on toilet paper each year by consumers. What’s more startling is that the same data shows that people tend to use around 50 pounds of toilet paper, per capita, each year. No so comforting, if you were to use these same stats, it would require a toilet paper manufacturer to cut down 10 million trees each year to make enough teepee for the whole world.

Indoor Plumbing Was the Key to TP Success

Toilet paper was really thin before because it had to be easily disposable. But this created a problem for big go’s, as hands would often be left soiled unless you use a lot of paper. But once indoor plumbing was a reliable and consistent thing, toilet paper quality was improved drastically. It was made with a more flush-able design, yet thicker and more absorbent than ever before.

But don’t put too much TP down the toilet! Otherwise, you might end up with a clog! Talk to your local plumber about your toilet and bathroom plumbing concerns, and they can help you get your indoor plumbing back on track and under control.

How it Works

There are several different kinds of toilet paper, ranging in size, quality, brand, color, composition, and more. Generally, toilet paper is made from a mix of water, tree pulp, bleach, and select chemicals used to extract fibers, which renders a softer, cushier material. As for the tree pulp, a blend of softwood and hardwood trees. Hardwoods include species like maple, gum, and oak, while softwoods are species like Hemlocks, Firs, and Spruces. By the way, toilet paper is often kept white because dyes can pose certain health risks or complications.

Need an Emergency Plumber for Toilet Repair and Service in Indianapolis?

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for trusted and affordable emergency plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber repair services for both residential and commercial properties, including home plumbing inspections, water heater repair, water softener repair, septic tank repair, and appliance sales. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances. Request a free estimate, today.

Top 3 Causes of Low Water Pressure at Home

Posted on September 23, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

When your water pressure is not up to your standard, everything from dish-washing to taking a shower is affected in a negative way. Fortunately, there are several effective solutions for resolving water pressure issues at home. But in order to conquer your low water pressure woes, you must first determine the root of the problem.

Continue reading to learn the top 3 causes for low water pressure, and use this information to gauge which type of plumbing service or repair you might need.

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Get Rid of Low Water Pressure for Good

As mentioned, low water pressure problems are not something you have to learn to live with. They can be resolved, so long as you know why they exist in the first place. Although there are thousands of reasons why water pressure plummets, there are three causes in particular that seem to be the most common among Indiana home and business owners. The top three causes for low or reduced water pressure are pipe leaks, pipe corrosion, and plumbing obstructions.

Leaky Plumbing Pipes

Low water pressure that slowly becomes worse overtime is a common telltale sign of plumbing pipe leaks. It makes sense; right? If there are cracks in a pipe or fitting, the water will naturally displace, thus reducing the pressure built up on demand. Typically, in these cases, low water pressure issues will be noticeable before water bills go up. Look at your toilet first if you suspect you have a pipe leak. Toilets are notorious for having short lifespans and leaks. If it’s not your toilet, it could be that your plumbing pipe material is more prone to cracking and leaking.

Corroded Plumbing Pipes

Old or corroded plumbing pipes are simply not as efficient in terms of performance. If your plumbing pipes were installed prior to the 60’s, they are likely steel, which inevitably rusts overtime. As a result, pipes become corroded, and sometimes even clogged by the corrosion. Although copper plumbing is rust-resistant, their fittings and joints might not be, which means they too can suffer oxidation and corrosion.

Obstructed Plumbing Pipes

Clogged plumbing pipes will certainly put some drag on the level of your water pressure. Obstructions can be caused by all sorts of things, such as corrosion mentioned above. Other pipe obstructing culprits include organics, minerals, food waste, toilet paper, sand, dirt, and more. Keep in mind, clogged shower heads and faucets can also cause lower water pressure. You may need to replace your faucet’s aerators, and clean out your shower head, for improved water pressure.

If you are experiencing water pressure dilemmas in your home or business, call a licensed Indianapolis plumber for professional plumbing services and diagnostics. Adequate water pressure is more than a personal luxury, it is a true asset for any home, and can even increase a property’s overall value.

Professional Indianapolis Indiana Plumbing Repair Services

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality plumbing services and repair at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.