Thank you in advance!

So… the water is flowing out of the tank and not the bowl? That sounds like you need a new float system. It sounds like something is not, as you correctly guessed, switching the water off when the tank is filled to a certain level. Most of these float switches are just mechanical devices that can get wear out due to corrosion or other “gunk” that may collect.

If you’re not comfortable replacing the float system (I’ve found that it’s sometimes easier to replace all the parts at once than to try to find one specific piece) then you definitely may want to call in a plumber. But, hey, ask if you can watch how he fixes it so that next time you’ll have a better idea of what you’re doing! It’s a shame about the flooding… good luck!

If I adjust the pump to make it stop filling, a few minutes later the water starts going down and then reaches a point and starts filling up again. Obviously, I have shut off the water valve otherwise I’d be having another flood.

Can this be fixed my me or do I need to call a plumber?

Thanks,
Judi

It’s hard to say without actually seeing exactly how all the pieces in your toilet are designed, but if I had to guess I’d say: fiddle with everything you can find first. If you can’t get it to work reliably then you’re better off going with new parts.

First, make sure the chain or rod from your toilet handle to your flushing mechanism (some attach right to the top of the flapper) has enough slack in it to let the flapper float and drop freely.

I’ve also seen toilet flappers “float” a little too much and then have a hard time coming back down. Take the back of the tank off and maybe check to see if an air bubble is forming in the bulbous part of the flapper. You may want to try adding a little weight or maybe somehow sealing up that flapper hole so air doesn’t get in. It isn’t easy to do because the flapper spends most of it’s time underwater. Your best bet may be to simply the same sized toilet flapper that is designed a little better.

Hope this helps!

Well, if the water is running there’s only three things that can really happen:

1. The water will continue to run until the cut-off switch is activated (usually with a float mechanism of some sort) and the water stops running when the tank is filled to a certain point. This is the way it SHOULD work :-)

2. The water will keep running and the toilet tank will overflow. That’s rather uncommon, but it does happen. You would notice that.

3. The water will continue to run and never get high enough in the tank to shut off inflow of water. This can only really happen if the water going into the tank is also going OUT of the tank some where. If you don’t have puddles of water on the floor, then it almost has to be going out through your flapper mechanism.

If you’ve already replaced the flapper then you may also want to check the sealant ring or gasket around the drain in the bottom of the tank (it’s the hole that is blocked by the flapper).. Maybe that’s dry rotted or has some leaks in it.

Another way to test if your flapper or gasket is leaking: flush the toilet, let the water start flowing back in and then either take a long stick or ruler or something and press down firmly on the flapper, doing your best to make sure it seals tightly. You could use your hand for this, but toilet water is pretty darn cold, so you might end up freezing your fingers. If your toilet tank fills and the water stops flowing while you are pressing down on your flapper, then it’s almost definitely a leak down there.

When you remove the stick then your toilet might start leaking water again and then water might start flowing in again.

Good luck! Let me know what you find!