How to fix a toilet that keeps running

A toilet that keeps running can often be fixed easily by simply adding some liquid soap to the water in the cistern. Often the parts in the system start to stick, this can often be helped by adding some liquid soap, which lubricates the plastic parts. In this house there are three modern dual flush toilets and every now and again, one of them will start to fill for no obvious reason. The addition of liquid soap has fixed all three toilets at some point.

[@roybatty4687]

Your water bill will go through the roof if you have a leaking toilet. My water bill halved after I fixed mine.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@kevslife]

Only if you're on a water meter.

[@roybatty4687]

@@kevslife obviously

[@vonsnagglepus9285]

OMFG it worked. Mines been leaking for the last 6 months. cheers

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@markrobinson5513]

Just delaying the inevitable. The internals unplug as easy as a light bulb and then replace the seal. Simples!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@myliutave-y7v]

I would do this.. if i could flush my toilet. It goes everywhere

[@amys263]

My toilet has been doing this for months and has been irritating me no end in the process! Followed your advice (albeit I removed the cistern lid so I could squirt the soap in) and it’s worked! I think some water is still leaking into the bowl but I can cope with that. So pleased I found this video first. Subsequent websites I looked at made everything seem so complicated. Thank you.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I’m glad you found the video useful
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@grahamefreestone5309]

Using bleach blocks or disinfectant blocks in the cistern can cause issues regarding seals etc. I use the ones that hang on the rim. Just don't place them in firing line. Lol. 👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@george-1961]

I think it's worked. I was going to change it but now it seems fine. So thank you very much 😉

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@HepcatHarley]

...A toilet that fills for no reason, normally there's a very good reason for this" lol

[@ultimatehandyman]

Lol 😂
Thanks for the comment

[@alexmorgan3435]

You could also just move the water tank lid and get a proper look at where you're squirting the soap.

[@ultimatehandyman]

They can be a pain to remove on some toilets.
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@davewhite4907]

Great tip Chez and nice easy fix. Cheers.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment, Dave 👍

[@pressy70]

Mine just started leaking going to try this 🤞🏽🙏🏼

[@ultimatehandyman]

It works most of the time and is well worth a shot.
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@michaelpalmer937]

ummmmm 17th March...Will give it try in the morning..and reply back
English Mik.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@sonianjie5676]

Going to try this now instead of waiting 10 yrs for Council to come out

[@Xenon777_]

Mine turned out to be the seal that is at the bottom of the exit pipe. The round seal was cracked.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@newmanburdett8974]

Brilliant, this has been annoying me for ages and a quick squirt of soap sorted it saving me a plumber! So happy thanks!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it helped!

[@zedman442]

Great tip. Thanks for sharing. Something anyone can do to try and fix the problem themselves!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@dandare2586]

Toilets are like people.....some are easy going and easy to work with......others are impossibly awkward!!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@alexmorgan3435]

A bit like taking a dump.

[@Raysnature]

I'm assuming you didn't do that tiling UH?! 😉

[@ultimatehandyman]

Definitely not lol 😂
Thanks for the comment

[@lazylad9064]

Plastic components, things are going down the pan 😬😁😁😁. Useful video thanks.👍👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

Ha ha 😂
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@augustreil]

Will this work on American toilets with the plain flapper valves ?

[@ultimatehandyman]

I’m not sure, but you could always give it a try.
Thanks for the comment

[@Rachel_M_]

I used to have a toilet that kept running, soon stopped after i broke it's legs 😉...

[@ultimatehandyman]

Lol 😂
Thanks for the comment

[@Rachel_M_]

@@ultimatehandyman thank you for the videos, always useful advice

[@ianwomack4198]

great idea does it have to be liquid soap would fairy liquid work? regards ian

[@ultimatehandyman]

Any liquid soap will work, fairy liquid, shower gel etc
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@ianwomack4198]

@@ultimatehandyman thanks 4 speedy reply ive learned lots of tips from your videos keep em coming

[@flat-earther]

Thanks liquid soap have not heard that before. It is probably just planned obsolescence. Anyway I prefer a squat toilet more healthy for defecating than sitting.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@KenRadManRaddon]

Is there a quick fix for a toilet that won't stop running after flushing until the handle gets jiggled.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Not sure about that, sorry
Thanks for the comment

[@minvalara2765]

Instant fix, thankyou!

[@claireclews5298]

Thank you so much for posting this video, I'm going to give the liquid soap a try and fingers crossed it works 🤞

[@ultimatehandyman]

I hope so too! 👍

[@0Midnight0o]

So I'm pretty sure my buttons cannot be removed but this is definitely my problem. I have a glacier bay dual flush. Would the soap solution fix my problem if I just put the soap on the buttons internally?

[@ultimatehandyman]

It is worth a try, but you should be able to remove the buttons somehow.

[@mynaturalhappy]

Oh my gosh, it worked!!! Thank you so much! 🙏

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it helped! 👍

[@beautylicious331]

Immediately runs to the bathroom I can't believe it worked its been driving us mad for weeks

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@Pvt.Parties]

Mines is pissing water.

[@ultimatehandyman]

😱

[@claireparke8786]

This fixed my running toilet cheers 😊 happy days

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@davidtaylorbfd]

Wow, that's brilliant.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@user-ns7vj4tz5h]

My toilets runs sometimes but not constantly. Do you think it's the same problem ??

[@ultimatehandyman]

It's definitely worth a try, it often works for me.
If it does not work you might need something replacing.
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@JamesMcCreadie71]

That's great, thanks for the tip

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@YAmateurP]

What about an old fashioned 'handle' flush? None of our toilets have button flushes.

[@ultimatehandyman]

It will still work on some syphon toilets. The soap acts as a cleaner and lubricant and will help in most cases.
If water still runs into the pan after trying this, you might have to replace the syphon-
ua-cam.com/video/y4AdckesOlg/v-deo.html
👍

[@thespiritspeaks9817]

I was fairly sceptical, but tried it anyways and it worked a treat!!! Thanks very much😊😊😊

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@ScottDuncanCoaching]

I had to slightly rotate the sealed unit which has the connector to the flush mechanism back and forth as well as the magic hand soap. Thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@andyone40]

tried this but mine still leaks, does this mean it buggered or can they be adjusted ? its a B&Q duel flush cistern

[@ultimatehandyman]

It depends. Sometimes if you isolate the water going to the cistern, you might be able to twist the flush mechanism out. You can then clean the parts and then put it back. If it still leaks you might have to fit a new flush mechanism
Thanks for the comment

[@analogdistortion]

You think it'd be a good idea to do this every 6 months or so before it happens just to keep things lubricated and clean inside to prevent problems?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely
Thanks for the comment

[@shingoukihimself6080]

Legend m8. Worked instantly

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@paulapercival8864]

This is fantastic! Worked immediately.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I’m glad you found the video useful
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@aitf99]

What kind of voodoo mumbojumbo is this? 😂😂

[@ultimatehandyman]

Lol
Thanks for the comment

[@mehmetkaraata4999]

Your a GOD send thanks! Much appreciated.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it helped
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@mikes6844]

What a great tip, I fixed the very same issue in my lads shop a few months ago and then as a precaution lubricated the flush button on my toilet at home. My other son had a similar issue but was the fault of the new siphon device binding. The float part sits inside a square cup and was not moving freely and the end result was the same. Seems as though some of the new siphon devices are a tad temperamental. Sign of the times that neither of my lads would know how to remedy these things without calling a plumber or their dad 😊. Thanks for posting this tip as I’m sure many will find it really useful and straightforward to address 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@setthestandardsimracing8689]

My buttons don't pull out can I just remove the lid & put soap on the vit inside?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, sure 👍

[@setthestandardsimracing8689]

@@ultimatehandyman cheers all fixed bloody things been driving me mad for weeks 😑 much appreciated

[@closertothetruth9209]

yes i find buttons jam a tiny bit i ended up using silcone grease in the past

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@lucysgranny]

Thank you, a miracle solution!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@MDFRESCUER]

Good to know.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@YouSinc]

Thanks for this video which you posted the day I found my toilet is leaking and wondered what to do about it!
Unfortunately mine seems to be one of the 10% that your solution doesn't fix.
Can you do another video of what to do if your toilet still keeps running?
Thank you

[@ultimatehandyman]

We’ve been lucky in this house as this trick has worked on all three toilets at some point, but there is always going to be a small percentage where some bits might need removing or replacing.
Thanks for the comment

[@YouSinc]

@@ultimatehandyman Ok, thanks.

[@klystron1]

top tip. will be using as preventive maintenance, thanks!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@GabrielKnightz]

I used one of those blue tablets that make the water blue to trace the leak, but i like your method better.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@1968kimmy]

You sir are a genius 👏 👏 👏 👏 thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are very welcome 👍

[@kintaters]

Brilliant..... Worked first time.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@cobberpete1]

A good tip to remember Thanks Chaz

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome
Thanks for the comment

[@h0tie]

I came here to learn how to Man. A real man

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@ukvideosjeffery9016]

Is the toilet faster then usain bolt😂😂

[@ultimatehandyman]

😂

[@ukvideosjeffery9016]

😂👍

[@ratchriat1716]

that's a good tip enjoyed the video.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@ahmed0akbar]

I like your idea. Thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@Robo_Jo]

Thanks for all the great content, learnt so much from your channel!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@vickiguntergraham4712]

😮 it can't be that easy! I'll give it a try

[@ultimatehandyman]

In most cases this can fix the problem 😉
Thanks for the comment

[@nigelroot798]

Works, but only for a day.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You might need to replace either the flush mechanism or the inlet valve!
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@nigelroot798]

@@ultimatehandyman Thanks, that's kind. Nigel

[@t7008240]

What great tip!!!!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it was helpful 👍

[@freesoul9324]

Thank you, it worked with me.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome
Thanks for the comment

[@Phil_AKA_ThundyUK]

Nice.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@stephenlmckeown1439]

👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@oscara.8176]

Nice. Thank you.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@paulhammond7489]

Nice one, I'll try that next time :)

[@ultimatehandyman]

We have three toilets here and all three have been fixed using this method. Its always worth a shot.
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@msenior5289]

Worked a treat 👍👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it helped 👍

[@simonvaughan1270]

What a neat trick!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@Dukyllo]

great!!!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@SuperWayneyb]

👍👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment, Wayne 👍

[@briananderson6316]

Brilliant - great tip 👍👍👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@43bikeguy]

You sir are a genius, thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@pictures4urears]

Worked like a charm today. Will update when it reverts.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@pictures4urears]

It does work and thanks for the video. As expected this isn't a permanent fix. Back to leaking.

[@brukernavnfettsjit]

My cistern in built into the tile wall. :S

[@flat-earther]

Remove the button cover ?

[@dan1strike]

Had this problem for weeks. Will try that. Cheers mate.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@roybatty4687]

Get it fixed asap your water bill will shock you if you don't, it'd like having a tap on 24 hours a day.

[@foxy_tail_fairy_puss]

It actually worked.....thank you 😊

[@ultimatehandyman]

You're welcome!

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

my dual button one does a full flush regardless which one i press ,any tips ?i tried to realign the lidi and the button system but with no luck

[@ultimatehandyman]

I think mine does the same. They are a crap design to be honest.
Thanks for the comment

[@alexmorgan3435]

@@ultimatehandyman Love the pun.

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

random comment and tip for the window PC users , " windows key + colon key " will bring up the emoji selection :)

[@ultimatehandyman]

I didn’t know that
Thanks for the comment 👍

[@800Viffer]

@girlsdrinkfeck
I would have thought that Windows WC and the colon key would have been more appropriate this 😆

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

i use morrisons limescale remover( gel type ) 👀

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment