How to Fix a Toilet with Tune-Ups

Time for a Toilet Tune-up?

If the bathroom were a car, the toilet would be your engine: it has a lot of power, moves a lot of water, and goes through a lot of fuel - well, we don't have to get too graphic. One of the similarities between toilets and engines that we can mention, however, is that your toilet might be ready for a tune-up. If you know your way around when you "pop the hood," you can take a look inside your toilet and see if everything's in working order. If not, one of these quick tune-ups might be able to help you.

Understand the Water Level.

The first thing you'll want to see inside your toilet is actually a water mark - the more stable your toilet, the more clear this water mark will be. A water mark will indicate the height that available water for flushing usually occupies: this mark should not be higher than the refill valve. You can set the water level by adjusting the float arm in your toilet; make sure that it is about three-quarters of the way up to the top of the refill valve. Never set the water level higher than the refill valve itself. Please make sure to note that different types of toilets will have alternate ways of setting the water level; do a little research to find out which model you're working with.

Know your Flush Valve.

One of the most important pieces of equipment in your toilet is the flush valve, which helps regulate the flow of water into your toilet. You should see a flush ball and an actuating mechanism, as well as a guide arm. This guide arm should be centered over your seat. Give your toilet a flush to make sure that the flush ball rises high enough for a total flush. If this isn't the case, you'll want to raise the guide arm so that the flush ball can have a high enough height.

Knowing your flush valve is very important, as many inside-the-toilet problems originate at that point. You'll have to know your options for treating a broken flush valve, including making direct repairs, replacing the flush ball, or replacing the flush valve altogether. You should be able to acquire a new flush valve at a hardware store or online - make sure that the model of toilet you're using lines up with the kind of flush valve you're purchasing. A new, modern flush valve can make your toilet run like new, so don't automatically assume that your old toilet is unsalvageable.

Photo Credits: kill-hill

Originally posted 2009-08-17 03:56:24.

This post involves:

different types of toilets, lot of water, three quarters, toilet problems, tune ups, water level, water mark

... and focuses on:

Bathroom, Handyman, How to Fix, toilet

Posted by Fix Handyman on May 9, 2010 in Bathroom, Handyman, How to Fix, toilet. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.