Fixing a toilet
How to repair a
running toilet
Just one toilet tank
running in your home can be very costly
Don't
blindly throw money at the problem. Before fixing a toilet, perform a
toilet tank leak test.
You will confidently identify where the leak is
before you fix or repair the running toilet. Performing a leak test is
very simple.
In fact even if you dont
suspect a toilet leak, this test should be done periodically in order
to dectect even the smallest leaks and drains.
Imagine that the water in your toilet tank
traveling down to the bowl after every flush is your hard earned money.
Then imagine if between flushes your money was constantly, and
unnecessarily, dripping and draining into the toilet bowl.
Before
fixing a toilet
First remove the toilet tank cover. After the
cover is removed, carefully observe the water level inside the tank. If
the level seems very close or even slightly above the over flow tube,
usually found in the middle of the tank,
this indicates that the refill
mechanism or fill valve
may need replacing.
These fill valves, especially in older models, are
very prone to costly leaks. In order to be certain that the fill valve
is leaking follow these simple steps.
- With a just a few flicks off the wrist, shut
off the water supply to the toilet. The shut off valve is almost always
located beneath the toilet tank on the left hand side.
- Mark the water level in the tank with a pencil,
pen or marker.
- Then return, after an hour or so, and check the
water level again.
- If the water level is the same as marked and if
there is a noticeable leak then your toilet keeps
running because of a leaking fill valve.
- If the water level has dropped below the mark
then replacing the fill valve may not help, in fact you probably have a
toilet flapper leak.
Before you repair a
running toilet
Many times costly toilet leaks are caused by old
and cracked toilet flappers or flush valves as well. The flush valve is
found at the bottom of the toilet tank and is responsible for releasing
the water from the tank to the bowl.
Performing this leak test will determine
if the old flapper is the cause before even fixing a toilet. This test
is also quick and easy.
- Make sure the water supply to toilet is as
normal.
- Then apply a small amount of food coloring or
liquid detergent to the filled toilet tank. Just enough to alter the
color of the water in the tank.
- Return in an hour or so and observe the water
in the toilet bowl.
- If the water in the toilet bowl has changed
color as well, then your toilet tank is running
because of a toilet flapper leak.
Do you
have leaks?
Don't worry, fixing a toilet is so simple anyone
can do it. Fill
valves
as well as toilet
flappers can be found in toilet tank repair kits
sold at almost all hardware stores. These toilet tank repair kits are
inexpensive and the parts are very easy to install.
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