Not every project goes as well as planned. We would be happy to spend a few minutes answering your questions.
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So the toilet is refilling every 20 minutes but nobody is flushing it. You are right to replace the flapper first. This is quick and easy. However, if that doesn’t work, then you need to troubleshoot it.
Lift the flapper and check the rim of the flush valve where the flapper sits. It should be smooth with no pits or divots in it. If the rim feels rough, this may be allowing water to pass from the tank to the bowl. If this is the problem, you can replace the entire flush valve (which is a bigger job), or buy a flusher-fixer. This is a new flapper assembly with a gel base that sits on the damaged rim. The gel fills any voids and stops water from draining into the bowl.
If everything looks good at this point, check for hairline cracks in the tank around the flush valve. If you have a crack in the tank, you should have water on the floor as well. A small crack around the flush valve may allow water to get by the flush valve and into the bowl.
If you see water on the floor and the toilet refills periodically, look for the source. Generally, you will find the problem at the tank bolts, the fill valve or supply line, or a cracked toilet tank.
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