Running toilet — skip tank tablets that can wear the flapper

If your toilet keeps running months after a new flapper, look at what sits in the tank. Some drop-in cleaning tablets can wear down rubber parts over time.

Keep the tank plain for a quiet, non-running toilet

1. Lift the tank lid and check for a drop-in tablet or a cleaner holder.
2. Remove it and let the tank flush clear a few times.
3. Feel the flapper. If it is soft, sticky, or out of shape, plan to replace it.
4. Clean the bowl with a regular bowl cleaner instead of anything that sits in the tank.

That is the beat: plain water in the tank is kinder to the flapper and can stop a slow running toilet from coming back.

More help

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