Fix Toilet Problem #3:
Your toilet keeps running and you just replaced the flapper valve.
Fix Toilet Problem #3:Your toilet keeps running and you just replaced the flapper valve.
Solution:If your tank keeps running and you just replaced the flapper valve, the most likely cause of this - fix toilet- project is a problem with your toilets 'Float'. The float is a piece of plastic that connects to your valve and allows your valve to open.
There are two types of float/valve combinations. Both work in the same way even though they look different.
One model has the valve sticking straight up on like a pole with a long metal arm attached to it and at the end of the metal arm is a ball. This ball is the float.
The other model is more compact and has the same valve sticking straight up like a pole and around the pole is a plastic 'bubble' that moves up and down. This plastic 'bubble' is the float.
When the water level goes down, the float goes down as well and opens up the valve that turns on the water. Over time, the water can rust the metal pieces to corrode or it can hinder the plastic so they don't operate as freely anymore. When the float gets stuck in a down position, the water will continue to flow into the tank until it overflows.
**toilets do have a safety mechanism to help you with this - there is an open piece of plastic tubing that comes directly up from the flapper valve. When the water level gets too high, the excess water will overflow into the tube and into the toilet bowl itself.**
Either way, you'll need to replace the entire float/valve mechanism.
Make sure you have the right tools for the job:
Here's what you'll need to do:
Step 1: Drain the Tank.Turn off the water and flush the tank. This will get most of the water out of the tank. however, there will still be some water left in the bottom of the tank. Take a sponge and soak it out. It is important that you get the tank as dry as you can.
Step 2: Remove the old float/valve.Unhook your water from the tank. Next, unscrew the nut that is under the tank. This will allow you to take out the entire float/valve unit.
Step 3: Install the new float/valve unit and turn the water back on.Simply take step 2 in reverse. Install the new float/valve mechanism and reattach the water line. When you turn the water line back on, you will be able to easily check for leaks. If water is spraying, then shut off the water valve and tighten where necessary.
**Jeff's helpful hints. The tank is a porcelain material and if you over tighten a nut, it could crack/break. You don't want this to happen so be gentle while tightening the float/valve mechanism.**
When you have no leaks, let the tank fill completely and you are done.
Congratulations! You've just completed this - fix toilet - project.
**Jeff's Eco friendly tip: Help save water by filling up a plastic jug with water and setting it in your tank. This will reduce the amount of water that flows out of your tank when you flush and will save on your water bill.**
What's next on you Honey Do List?
Jeff Hensiek
Return to Fix Toilet Page
Return to www.Fix-Home-Projects-Yourself.com
