How to Fix a Running Toilet without a Ball Float

Recently, I had the unfortunate situation of my toilet (yes, we are going there) just continuously dispensing water. After much searching on the internet, reading articles, blog posts and watching YouTube videos. I finally managed to piece together what I needed to do to fix this issue, so I am saving you the problem and providing you with a guide on fixing a toilet that doesn’t have a ball float. Saving you the trouble!

Having a running toilet with a leaking flush even when you are not using it seems to be no less than a menace. Not only is it inconvenient and unmanageable, but also a common issue that leads to a significant wastage of water. Most people use one of the two common types of toilet systems – a traditional tank with a ball valve or a modern toilet system with a fill valve. Both systems can experience running excess toilet water, wherein the need of the hour, is to get an immediate fix to the problem.

For example, imagine you have just blocked your toilet, and you can’t find the plunger! Slowly but surely the water rises. What a disaster!

If your space has a modern toilet without a ball float, you would be delighted to know that it’s easy to fix the problem, that too, without calling a professional plumber.

If the fill valve in your toilet system is not responding or functioning the way it should, or if you have an issue that keeps running after flushing, scroll down to learn how to fix a running toilet without a ball floating.

Understanding Fill Valves

Typically, the left section of the cistern features the fill valve that serves the purpose of filling in the required quantity of water into the tank. It does that with much more efficiency than a ball valve, working as a more budget-friendly option in the long run and preventing the toilet from refilling when not needed. These systems come with a variety of floats that perform a better job than a regular ball float.

A cup float or a similar option comes built-in with these systems in a more automated style, which ensures a cost-effective flushing every time. The focus of these mechanisms is to maintain optimal water pressure and quantity. Another good thing about fill valves is that they produce less noise on flushing as compared to a ball valve toilet that seems to produce a lot of sound. Also, fill valves are much smaller than ball floats and are well-suited for compact cisterns.

The fact that these valves are small and handy also makes them easy to fix if the toilet cistern keeps running constantly after flushing the tank without a ball float. In fact, it’s much easier than repairing a traditional ball float that’s used in more traditional toilet tanks. The best thing about the process is that it doesn’t call for any complicated tools or expertise to get it all done. You are going to need a handful of readily available supplies, including a wrench, a screwdriver, a hammer and a new fill valve.

Replacing The Valve

It’s time to remove the existing valve and install a new one in its place. This step is very essential if the valve has stopped working properly or is damaged, or when it doesn’t stop. It’s recommended to replace the fill valve every 5- 6 years to ensure a smooth and steady flushing, as well as eliminate the risk of unwanted blockages or interruptions.

You can purchase a new fill valve assembly very easily from a local hardware store or get one from Amazon.com. Go for a reliable repair kit that comes with a lock, a gasket and a refill tube. You are also going to need a water container and a tractable wrench to remove the fill valve.

Make sure to turn off the water supply valve, followed by flushing the tank thoroughly.

Breaking The Old Valve Base

Perform a thorough inspection of the old valve. The replacement gets easier if the damage to the valve base is not severe. You need to get to the base of the fill valve to pull up the tube, and may use a screwdriver or hammer to unscrew the same if it seems hardened.

Placing The New Valve

The new fill valve is all set to put you in the right position by simply pushing it down to the old valve base of your tank.

To fix it in place, make sure to lock the valve ring, as it’s essential to secure the lock to connect the replacement tube and the overflow tube to each other.

At this stage, you must adjust the water level accordingly to prevent the toilet from being filled due to high water levels in the absence of a tank and floating ball.

Checking Functionality

Once you put everything together, it’s time to turn on the main faucet and see if the flush is working properly or not.

Usually, the mentioned method has the least chance of dysfunctionality, and it easily lets you adjust the toilet float if the existing fill valve base is in proper working conditions.

However, if you witness that the fill valve base is not fit for further use even after the replacement steps above—it calls for a complete replacement. You need to remove the whole unit and replace it with a new one.

Read further to learn how you can perform a complete replacement.

Changing Valves Entirely – Only If Fill Valve Is Not Suitable For Use

Going first for a complete replacement calls for emptying out the bathroom tank first. It’s recommended to put a container or bin under the water supply pitch to avoid any water spills, as the process involves a substantial amount of water flowing out. You can purchase a new fill valve from either DIY shops or online from Screwfix.com.

Unplug the tube while you place your hand on the tank base, further removing the screw using a wrench. It’s time to remove the entire system or assembly and dump it into the waste. Once you adjust the height of the new unit to match the tank height and the overflow tube, you can then install the system without any hassle.

All you need to do to fix a bothersome constantly running modern toilet without a ball float is to follow the aforesaid set of super simple steps, and voila!

While the process is not that complicated, it’s always a good idea to replace the fill valve of the system after every 5-6 years to minimise the chances of unnecessary disruptions. Inspecting the system and replacing it at timely intervals also ensures smooth toilet flushing for long periods with no interruptions.

Make sure to get professional assistance from a qualified plumber in your area if you see any signs of cracks, damage, or deformity in the toilet or the tank as it could be a major problem that needs expert help. You don’t want to make the situation worse, causing a large water leak, forcing you to pay for storage for your non water damaged bathroom items!

Now that you have sorted out your toilet issue, perhaps you are looking for some inspiration for your home, or wanting to redesign a room? Take a look at our ever-growing blog section!