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Main Area => Odds n Ends => Topic started by: TheGoodGuy on September 19, 2009, 11:36:26 AM

Title: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix? - Now with pics!
Post by: TheGoodGuy on September 19, 2009, 11:36:26 AM
My downstairs toilet is running water continuously.  When you flush it does so fine, it fills up and stops when required and then after about 5 minutes starts to run water.

So last night I observed it. Yup it does fill up, the float valve moves up and the system stops filling, however the water continues to rise and gets to the overflow pipe and drains into the bowl.

I am not sure what is causing it. How do I fix this. Right now I have turned off the bloody source pipe so it wont keep running but its not a solution.

Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix?
Post by: dohabee on September 19, 2009, 12:09:05 PM
sounds like it isn't quite shutting off all the way.

I would try flushing then manually lifting the float to see if you can make it shut off.

With the tank empty you should be able to see if it is still leaking or if it shuts off completely.

If it isn't leaking then I would bend the float arm downward a little so it shuts off sooner.

I'm no plumber but that's what I would try if it happened to me.
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix?
Post by: jserio on September 19, 2009, 12:22:07 PM
even if you have to replace the entire assembly it isn't usually very expensive or difficult to do.
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix?
Post by: GeeP on September 19, 2009, 01:07:21 PM
You have a leaky flush valve.

Replace with a new one and clean the seat.  No, not that seat, the flush valve seat, silly!

$5 or so and you're leak-free.  Well, your toilet is anyhow.

:D
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix?
Post by: scottpA_GS on September 19, 2009, 01:38:36 PM

Yea, whole tank kits are cheap and easy to install.. Hot Lowes or the local hardware and buy a kit  :thumb:
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix?
Post by: TheGoodGuy on September 19, 2009, 02:03:14 PM
The flapper valve is workign fine. Its not leaking through that. Its leaking through the overflow tube on the top. The tank fills and then it stops filling as the valve moves up but water still flows in since its filling up and outputs out of the overflow tube.

I will run another test on the fill valve.
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix?
Post by: annguyen1981 on September 19, 2009, 02:18:23 PM
I'm not too technical, but I know how to fix 'em...  the first statement leads me to believe that the rubber ball/flap that covers the large hole in the tank is leaking.

If that's the case, go to the hardware store and purchase the RED fluidmaster flap.  Those aren't made too hard so the pressure from the water above it will be able to create a good seal.
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix?
Post by: tussey on September 19, 2009, 07:09:37 PM
There is a way to adjust the bobber (floaty thing) so it shuts off the water valve earlier. I'm pretty sure it required turning a screw near where it hinges. You'll have to look at it to see which direction to turn it. I had this exact same problem and that's how I fixed it.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix?
Post by: Jughead on September 19, 2009, 09:21:39 PM
Flapper that acually does the flushin or just needs to be adjusted. Possiblity.
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix?
Post by: yamahonkawazuki on September 19, 2009, 11:57:52 PM
ahhh a shitty situation Eh?
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix?
Post by: bill14224 on September 20, 2009, 07:32:18 PM
Tussy knows what the problem is.  There's a float, either on the end of a rod that goes across the tank (old style) or a hockey puck shaped float on the vertical shaft on the left side of the tank. (newer type)  That float has to be adjusted so it will rise enough to shut the fill valve off.  If it doesn't, or if the fill valve won't shut off, you will have the problem you describe.
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix?
Post by: bettingpython on September 21, 2009, 08:10:15 AM
Is it a flushmaster fill valve or the old ballcock? Sounds like a flushmaster, replace it is one oprion the other one is pick up a new diaphragm for the existing flush master, turn the supply line off, pop the top off the flush master and replace the 35cent rubber diaphragm and move on with life.
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix?
Post by: TheGoodGuy on September 21, 2009, 12:57:44 PM
Its a flushmaster hockey puck type. I am going to see where i can get that fix for it. It seems to be shutting off alright but I think the diaphram or whatever the 35 cent thing has gone bad.

Manjul
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix?
Post by: tussey on September 21, 2009, 08:14:41 PM
Is it filling up too much and over flowing? If so you need to lower your ballast, the big bobber that moves up and down the shaft. There is a way to adjust it. If you take some pics we can help better.

If you wrench on your GS you should be able to figure this out  :dunno_white:
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix?
Post by: yamahonkawazuki on September 22, 2009, 01:38:15 AM
Quote from: bill14224 on September 20, 2009, 07:32:18 PM
Tussy knows what the problem is.  There's a float, either on the end of a rod that goes across the tank (old style) or a hockey puck shaped float on the vertical shaft on the left side of the tank. (newer type)  That float has to be adjusted so it will rise enough to shut the fill valve off.  If it doesn't, or if the fill valve won't shut off, you will have the problem you describe.
Bingo :bowdown: :bowdown:
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix?
Post by: bettingpython on September 22, 2009, 05:45:13 PM
http://www.antonline.com/p_242-GP_345450.htm
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix? - Now with pics....
Post by: TheGoodGuy on September 29, 2009, 02:39:12 PM
Images of the problem

http://officespace.dyndns.org:8080/ssyada/IMG_0421.jpg

http://officespace.dyndns.org:8080/ssyada/IMG_0422.jpg

http://officespace.dyndns.org:8080/ssyada/IMG_0423.jpg
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix? - Now with pics!
Post by: scottpA_GS on September 29, 2009, 03:12:40 PM
 You didnt fix it yet?

Just buy a tank kit they are CHEAP and EASY to install

In your pic... The part that should float up to the top and shut off the water is either set too low or broken.. Yours appears to be under water
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix? - Now with pics!
Post by: TheGoodGuy on September 29, 2009, 03:48:29 PM
I was out of town so i didnt fix it. I turned off the main.

Anyway the ball does float up and it does stop filling from the bottom of the tube. But then the water keeps rising and I dont know where its filling from. I cant find the source.

Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix? - Now with pics!
Post by: dohabee on September 29, 2009, 05:27:53 PM
you need to determine if the float level is set incorrectly or if the valve is leaking.

to check this you can:

1. hold the float arm in the up/off position with your hand

2. flush toilet while still holding arm up

3. see if water fills the tank or not

If the water is still flowing while you are holding up the float arm then the valve is leaking and you need to replace it.

If the water stays shutoff as long as you hold the arm up then the float level is set wrong and you can simply adjust it.
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix? - Now with pics!
Post by: TheGoodGuy on September 30, 2009, 09:26:06 PM
Quote from: dohabee on September 29, 2009, 05:27:53 PM
you need to determine if the float level is set incorrectly or if the valve is leaking.

to check this you can:

1. hold the float arm in the up/off position with your hand

2. flush toilet while still holding arm up

3. see if water fills the tank or not

If the water is still flowing while you are holding up the float arm then the valve is leaking and you need to replace it.

If the water stays shutoff as long as you hold the arm up then the float level is set wrong and you can simply adjust it.

That worked! The water still filled with the float arm raised, its coming from the bottom. I think I'll just get a new piece and install it instead of messing with a valve.
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix?
Post by: bettingpython on October 01, 2009, 07:13:19 AM
http://www.antonline.com/p_242-GP_345450.htm


This part will fix your problem.  ^

The big box stores have them, home depot, lowes etc. Usually ace as well.
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix? - Now with pics!
Post by: natedawg120 on October 01, 2009, 12:05:30 PM
yeah the float/valve assembly is junked up.  It could be just the rubber seal at the base but the entire assembly isn't that expensive so i would just replace the entire thing.  Any hardware or everything store should have them. 
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix? - Now with pics!
Post by: scottpA_GS on October 01, 2009, 08:24:53 PM
 I know the economy is bad and all.. I just always think.. hey, I can spend time thinking about all this or... I can replace everything in there for less than like $15... Then I know its all good to go for a while and no trouble shooting or wasted time/money..

In all reality, if that went un-fixed for 1 month it prob. cost you more than $15 in wasted water and sewage bills.

Replace all of it!

 :cheers:
Title: Re: Question on a Leaking Toilet - how to fix? - Now with pics!
Post by: yamahonkawazuki on October 01, 2009, 11:18:23 PM
Quote from: dohabee on September 29, 2009, 05:27:53 PM
you need to determine if the float level is set incorrectly or if the valve is leaking.

to check this you can:

1. hold the float arm in the up/off position with your hand

2. flush toilet while still holding arm up

3. see if water fills the tank or not

If the water is still flowing while you are holding up the float arm then the valve is leaking and you need to replace it.

If the water stays shutoff as long as you hold the arm up then the float level is set wrong and you can simply adjust it.
'Zactly, was gonna ask/say this, but he beat me to it, in gstwin terms, think of it like a carb.. if float dotn work, youll have issues liek you are describing, ( methinks)