How To Stop A Leaky Toilet
The problem with a leaky toilet is that you never know you have it until you get an unexplained increase in your water bill
. A leaky toilet wastes hundreds of gallons in a month, seriously denting your wallet and harming the environment as well. You can spot a leaky toilet problem even if you think you have a different toilet design since their functions remains essentially the same. One common problem source of a leaky toilet is the flush valve that covers the bottom of the tank and which controls the water's entry into the bowl. Another possible culprit is a leaking refill valve which can lead an unnecessarily overfilled tank. Here are a few simple steps to help you troubleshoot and fix this common plumbing problem.
Tools and Materials Needed:
Pencil and Food Coloring
Step 1-Check the Flush Valve
Since you'll be leaving the tank for 20 to 30 minutes without using and flushing, it's best if you used it before you perform this test. Carefully open the cover of your toilet tank. Then draw a line inside the tank to accurately mark the water level. Next, turn off the water supply valve at the bottom of the toilet tank, making sure it's tight. Then leave for half and hour. Afterwards, check if the water level still matches and touches your line. If it's considerably fallen below your mark, then the problem is with your flush valve which may not be seated right. Go to Step 4 or test the other parts of your tank.
Step 2-Test the Refill Valve
Twist open the tank's water supply valve. Squeeze a few drops of food coloring into the water inside the tank. Leave the toilet unused for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Check the water inside the toilet bowl if it is tinted with the food coloring. If it is, proceed to Step 5 or continue to the next step to test the Refill Tube.
Step 3-Test the Refill Tube
Now stand back and flush the toilet. Take note of how the water flows out of the Refill Tube. If it is aimed at the long plastic Overflow Pipe, then its position is correct. If it is not positioned correctly, go to Step 6.
Step 4-Correct your Flush Valve
Empty your toilet tank of the water inside by flushing it out entirely. Then, carefully align the guide arm over the seat. Press the trip handle and take note of the behavior of the flush valve. If the lifting hardware holds the flapper off its seat, adjust it so that the flapper is plush on all sides.
Step 5-Correcting the Refill Valve
Open the water supply valve to allow the water to fill the toilet tank. Bend the float arm of the Refill Valve to set the water level about of an inch from the top of the Overflow Pipe. Position the float in such a way that it does not touch the other parts. Unscrew the float and listen for signs of water inside. Replace if necessary.
Step 6-Adjust the Refill Tube
Lastly position the Refill Tube over the Overflow Pipe. Make sure it doesn't go below the water level, and if it does, lift it higher. Now, flush the toilet and repeat Steps 1 to 3 to make sure the leaky toilet problem has been thoroughly fixed.
What if after all the steps you've performed, you still have a leaky toilet? Don't be discouraged as you've definitely tried your best. Some leaky toilet problems are too complex for the average person no matter how handy they are with tools. In such a scenario, don't hesitate to contact a professional licensed and insured plumber who'll gladly help you out. Before long, your leaky toilet is solved, your water bill is back to normal, the environment is safe again, and you didn't have to replace the entire toilet tank.
by: Solomon Arceo.
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