The conventional float ball, attached by a metal or plastic arm to a ballcock, was the standard fill valve in toilets for years. The position of the float ball determines the amount of water that will refill the tank. A float ball in need of repair will cause your toilet to run nonstop, allowing water to constantly flow into the tank through the ballcock, until the high water level spills over into the overflow tube. The proper water level should be set approximately 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube. Repairing the float ball involves following simple steps.
Turn the shutoff valve completely clockwise to shut off the flow of water into the tank. Unscrew a damaged float ball that does not float on top of the water or rise high enough to shut off the ballcock. Turn the float ball counterclockwise to remove it. Grip the float arm with pliers, if necessary, while removing the float ball. Shake the float ball to determine if water is inside it.