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how to repair flush tank problems

Shut off the water to the tank by turning the valve below the tank or closing the valve in the main supply to the house. Remove the float assembly by unscrewing two thumb screws to allow you to lift the valve. In other ball cocks, unscrew the two thumb screws on either side of the top assembly & lift it off. The assembly should drop out. Replace the rubber washer in the bottom of the valve. If you don't have a new washer, turn the old one over as a temporary repair until you can get a new replacement. Check the size before reassembly.

  Plumbing

Tools & Materials

fluidmaster toilet rebuild kit
small bucket
sponge
rags
12" slip joint pliers (channel lock)
4 in 1 screw driver
teflon paste/thread compound

Difficulty: Intermediate

Repair Time: varies due to several repairs, tests & material requirements.

  Advice by

Friendly Plumber ®

Check the name brand of the toilet & age (inside the tank lid). Copy all numbers written in the tank & the lid to check if replacement parts are available prior to starting any repairs

Check the gasket or "O" ring toward the top of the valve. This should be pliable so it will prevent the incoming water from squirting out around the top of the valve. Reassemble the valve & turn on the water.

if water leaks on the floor, it is caused by one of the following

  • condensation on the outside of the tank due to cold temperature of the water. This will almost always happen in the summer when the temperature & humidity are high, but not in the winter
  • kits of insulation material can be purchased to install on the inside of the tank, which require considerable effort because the inside of the tank must be dry & clean. The insulation must be installed so water can't seep between the insulation & the tank wall
  • a leak in the water pipe to the tank. The water leaking from this source will usually be in a puddle under the end of the tank where the water pipe connects to the tank. Look under the tank & see if there is an accumulation of salt around the pipe
  • refill tube may be misdirected so it directs the water against the top or side of the overflow pipe causing it to splash against the top of the tank & running down the outside of the tank. If this happens when you take the top off, readjust to direct water down the filler tube



when tank partly empties

  • sometimes when you pull the flush lever the tank partly empties or the handle must be held down to completely flush the toilet
  • check if the mechanism or chain connected to the rubber tank ball is free & not kinked. If so, adjust the length so the rubber tank ball is lifted higher when the flush valve is released



if nothing happens when flush handle is pushed
After many years of use the linkage between the handle & the float wears out & becomes disconnected.

  • remove the tank top & find out which part is worn out. Replace it w/ a new part which can be purchased at most stores selling plumbing supplies



if there is no water pressure
When the water pressure is gone, the flush tank won't fill for the next flush. All that is needed to flush the tank is a big rush of water in the bowl so a pail of water dumped into the bowl will flush it. Then part of a pail of water must be poured in for the next use.


installing a ball cock
When installing a new ball cock, make sure it's an anti-syphon ball cock to meet code requirements. This type of ball cock guards against contamination of the fresh water supply.



NEW TYPES OF BALL COCKS

diaphragm ball cock

  • install the ball cock in the same way as conventional models. Follow the directions that come w/ your ball cock
  • if the water supply contains a high level of minerals, the moving-parts of a diaphragm ball cock should be occasionally cleaned
  • after several years of use, the diaphragm & valve may need to be replaced, which are available as a kit from a plumbing supply store

float-cup ball cock

  • to install the float-cup ball cock, follow the procedure for a conventional ball cock. The float ball & rod arm are eliminated on this ball cock
  • an adjustable sliding clip permits setting of tank water level

  Related

Plumbing Articles

what are the parts in a toilet tank
how to repair a stopped up toilet


how to repair flush tank problems
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courtesy: MSU Extension Home Maintenance & Repair
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