water,water, everywhere

[kimikki]

We have an Eljer Patriot toilet, and it has an apparent leak. It will seem to run and run, lowering the water level in the tank enough to make it run and refill. Any ideas on where to start for finding the problem, before we spend any more time or money?
Thanks!

 

[Gary Swart]

Most likely the flapper at the bottom of the tank is not seating. It is a cone shaped rubber devise that is attached to the flush handle with a small chain. When the handle is pushed, it lifts the flapper to allow the tank water to enter the toilet bowl and flush it out. If the flapper does not seat properly, water will leak into the bowl and cause the float valve to let more water in. These flappers are very easy to replace, and you can get one at most any hardware store.