Toilet troubles

Over time, a variety of problems can develop in toilets. Here's how to fix some ofthe most common of those problems:

• Water continues to run after the tank fills;
• Tank doesn't fill but water continues to run ;
• Tank only partially empties when flushed;
• Water leaks on the floor;
• Nothing happens when you push or pull the flush handle;
• No water pressure available;
• Extra: Installing a new ballcock

PROBLEM: Water continuesto run after tank refills:

The problem is the water inlet valve is not seating tight enough to shut the water off.

To isolate the problem, remove the tank lid. Grab the float and lift:

1. If the water stops running the problem is in the float mechanism. If the float is over half submerged look for a leak in the float. Check the float and repair or replace. If the float is okay, adjust the float downward. This can be done by: (a) adjustment screw on top of the ball cock. (b) bending the rod supporting the float. The recommended water level is often marked on the tank wall. If not, the water level should be about 1" below the overflow pipe.
2. If you cannot stop the water flow by raising the float, the problem is probably the inlet valve in the ball cock.
   Shut off the water to the tank by turning the valve below the tank or by closing the valve in the main supply to the house. Remove the float assembly by unscrewing two thumb screws. This will allow you to lift the valve. In other ball cocks, unscrew the two thumb screws on either side of the top assembly and lift it off. The valve assembly should drop out.
3. Replace the rubber washer in the bottom of the valve. If you do not have a new washer turn the old one over as a temporary repair until you can get a new replacement. Check the size before you reassemble.

Also, check the gasket or "O" ring toward the top of the valve. This shouldbe pliable so it will prevent the incoming water from squirting out around the top of thevalve.

Reassemble the valve and turn on the water.

PROBLEM: The tankdoesn't fill, but water continues to run.

1. The problem is most likely that the tank ball is not seating. Check to see if the linkage is binding or hooked so it does not let the ball go completely down. Or the tank ball might be so old it is wrinkled or cracked so water is running through the tank ball.

2. The solution is to buy a new rubber tank ball and/or a new linkage and replace the old worn parts. You might consider replacing the entire tank ball and linkage with a flapper valve.

3. Due to use, water, and salt deposits, the flush handle might bind and not let the tank ball reseat. Put a few drops of penetrating oil on the handle just inside the tank and wiggle it back and forth. If the handle is rusted so bad it cannot be loosened with the oil a new one will have to be installed. To do this remove the nut inside the tank. This is usually a left hand thread so to loosen you would turn clockwise.

PROBLEM: Wateris leaking onto the floor.

Water on the floor underneath the toilet tank may be caused by one of thefollowing:

1. Condensation on the outside of the tank due to cold temperature of thewater. This will almost always happen in the summer, when the temperature and humidity arehigh. In the winter it will not occur.

A solution to the problem might be: - Buy or sew a jacket for the outsideof the tank which acts as an insulator. Wash it frequently, to keep it clean.

• Kits of insulation material can be purchased to install on the inside of the tank. These require considerable effort because the inside of the tank must be dry and clean. The insulation must be installed so water cannot seep between the insulation and the tank wall.

• A valve can be purchased which will proportion a fixed amount of hot and cold water into the tank to make the water temperature high enough to prevent condensation. The requires an alteration to the plumbing system but is very effective. It will "waste" heated water.

• Buy a tray which hangs under the tank, usually hooked to the top of the tank with thin metal strips. Put sponges on the tray to soak up the water dripping on to the tray.

2.. A leak in the water pipe to the tank. The water leaking from thissource will usually be in a puddle under the end of the tank where the water pipe connectsto the tank. Look under the tank and see if there is an accumulation of salts around thepipe.

Often times a one quarter or one half turn on the nut next to bottom ofthe tank or on either side of the shut-off valve (if there is one) will stop the leak.

If tightening the nut does not stop the leak it is probably the gasket atthe bottom of the "ball cock" where it goes through the tank.

To do this, disconnect the water pipe to the ball cock after dipping outwater. Loosen the big retainer nut under the tank and remove the "ball cock"assemble. Replace the rubber gasket and reassemble the unit.

3. The refill tube may be misdirected so it directs the water against thetop or side of the overflow pipe causing it to splash against the top of the tank andrunning down the outside of the tank. If this happens when you take the top off, readjustto direct water down the filler tube.

The packing or "O" ring on the inlet valve may be worn so whenthe toilet is flushed and the valve is opened the water squirts out the top of the"ball cock" against the tank top and runs down the outside of the tank.

The procedure for replacing this packing is the same as for replacing thevalve seat.

PROBLEM: The tank only partially empties when flushed

Sometimes when you pull the flush lever the tank partly empties or thehandle must be held down to completely flush the toilet.

Check to see if the mechanism or chain connected to the rubber tank ballis free and not kinked. If so, adjust the length so the rubber tank ball is lifted higherwhen the flush valve is released. This will allow more time for water to enter the stool.

PROBLEM: Nothinghappens when flush handle is pushed.

After many years of use the linkage between the handle and the float wearsout and becomes disconnected.

Remove the tank top and find out which part is worn out. Replace it with anew part which can be purchased at most stores selling plumbing supplies.

Temporary repairs can be made with a wire or cord if a new part cannot beobtained for several days.

PROBLEM: There is no water pressure.

When the water pressure is gone the flush tank will not fill for the nextflush. All that is needed to flush the tank is a big rush of water in the stool so a pailof water dumped into the stool will flush it. Then part of a pail of water must be pouredin for the next use.

EXTRA:Installing a new ball cock

When installing a new ball cock, make sure it is an anti-syphon ball cockto meet code requirements. This type of ball cock guards against contamination of thefresh water supply.

Types of new ball cocks:

1. Diaphragm ball cock

a. Install the ball cock in the same way as conventional models. Followthe directions that come with your ball cock.

b. If the water supply contains a high level of minerals, the moving-partsof a diaphragm ball cock should be occasionally cleaned.

c. After several years of use, the diaphragm and valve may need to bereplaced. These parts are available as a kit from a plumbing-supply store.

2. Float-cup ball cock

a. To install the float-cup ball cock just follow the procedure for aconventional ball cock. The float ball and rod arm are eliminated on this ball cock.

b. An adjustable sliding clip permits setting of tank water level.

Source of Material: Michigan State University Extension HomeMaintenance and Repair