Getting a Handle on Toilet Repairs
Before attempting any repairs to a toilet, remove the tank lid and flush it a couple of times, observing how the various parts work together.
How the Toilet Works
Water flow is controlled by a ball cock, or inlet valve, and a flush (outlet) valve. The latter consists of a rubber flapper (or tank ball in older toilets) that goes over a valve seat at the bottom of the tank.
When you push down on the flush handle, a trip lever and lift chain (or wire) pull the flapper or ball out of its seat, releasing water into the bowl. As the tank empties, the flapper drops back into the valve seat, plugging the outlet.
At the same time, the float drops, lowering the float arm and opening the inlet valve. Water from the supply pipe then flows through a pair of tubes to fill both the tank and the bowl. As the tank fills, the float rises until it reaches a preset level, which closes the inlet valve.
Traditional ball cocks control water flow by means of a valve linked to the float arm and float. In a floating-cup ball cock, a plastic cup controls the water level. A floatless ball cock requires only the turn of a screw to adjust water level.
Failure to Flush
Before making repairs inside the tank, turn off the supply valve under the tank and flush the toilet to drain the tank.
* If the handle is loose, use a wrench to tighten the locknut on the handle shaft inside the tank.
* Reconnect the lift chain or wire if it’s disconnected; replace it if it’s broken.
* Make sure the flapper or tank ball is securely screwed or hooked to the lift chain or wire.
* If there’s no water in the tank, check to see that the supply valve below the tank is turned on.
Incomplete Flushing
* Check the water level in the toilet tank. It should be three-quarters of an inch lower than the top of the overflow tube. If it’s too low, raise the water level. Bend the float arm upward.
For a float-cup ball cock, pinch the spring clip on the pull rod and lift the cup. With a floatless ball cock, turn the adjustment screw clockwise to raise the water level.
* If the water level is correct, check as you flush to see if the lift chain or wire pulls up the flapper or the tank ball sufficiently to clear the outlet valve seat. If not, reposition them. If the flapper or tank ball is porous or soggy replace it.
* Shorten the lift chain if it’s too long. The chain should have only about one-half inch of slack.
Water Runs Continuously
* Is the flush handle stuck? Loosen it by using a wrench to turn the locknut inside the tank.
* The lift chain may be too short or the lift wires bent. Adjust or replace the chain or wire.
* Is the float rubbing against the tank? If so, adjust the float arm, bending it as necessary.
* If the tank is full and water still runs down the overflow tube, lower the water level by bending the float arm downward, moving the float cup downward or turning the floatless ball cock’s screw counterclockwise.
* Check the alignment of the tank ball. If it doesn’t fall straight into the valve seat, loosen the setscrew on the guide arm so the ball is poised directly above the valve seat. Tighten the setscrew, refill the tank and flush the toilet to test it.