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Ok, I'll start it off!
Help! My toilet isn't flushing correctly. It seems that when I push the handle the water flushes, but the water stops running as soon as I let go of the handle. It doesn't keep on running after it refills. If I hold the handle down, everything works fine. What could possibly be wrong? |
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There's usually a chain link between the flush arm and the ball. The length should be long enough to pull the ball all the way up while the tank empties but short enough that after the water is gone the ball returns to shut off the drain. Try experimenting with the length of the chain.
The other variable in regulating when the water stops is an adjustable leveler that floats up with the water level until it closes the water valve.
If neither of these solve the problem then you might look into buying a new assembly for the tank. If all else fails, call a plumber. 
Are you sure your sheepies aren't drinking the water faster than its coming in? |
Hey, does the reverse apply to a toilet that seems to run too long?
It's an old toilet and aside from backing up too often it runs okay, but lately it takes forever to flush, sometimes double flushes and then runs for what seems like an eternity afterwards.
Jil |
Hey!
Depending on the "flapper" style, there could be an air pocket that holds the flapper up until the tank water is gone, and then it will plop back down over the hole. If this is filled with water because of a small crack, it will need replacement. Turn off the water supply, remove the flapper and shake, If you feel or hear water sloshing buy a new one. Remember to clean the flapper seat off before installing. Good Luck! |
Floofdog wrote
Quote:
Hey, does the reverse apply to a toilet that seems to run too long?
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My experience here is that usually the flapper gets stiff with age or calcium builds up on it so it doesn't seal completely. Time to get a new flapper (not the 1920's kind! ) |
No ball here . . . and I know NOTHING about the innerds of a toilet. I see that it runs forever because the tank is filling up but I don't know how to adjust it. There seems to be a clip on a rod but I can't move it.
The flapper seems fine -
How's that for technical!
On the other hand, if you have any questions about growing roses, I can help. 
J |
floofdog wrote:
No ball here . . . and I know NOTHING about the innerds of a toilet. I see that it runs forever because the tank is filling up but I don't know how to adjust it. There seems to be a clip on a rod but I can't move it.
The flapper seems fine -
How's that for technical!
On the other hand, if you have any questions about growing roses, I can help.
J |
When you opened up the tank, was there a long metel arm with a ball on the end (the float) like the size of a baseball? If there is try lifting up on the big ball to see if the water stops. If it does then gently bend the bar in the middle so the ball will be about a half inch lower. Then flush and see if that helps. The ball raises and presses on a shut-off valve and if it doesn't raise enough it wont press hard enough on the valve. Don't bend a lot all at once. Just a little at a time. If lifting up on the float ball doesn't stop the water from entering the tank, then the valve assembly may need replacement. |
If only it were that easy. No long metal arm with a ball on the end. That I would recognize, LOL. Instead, the "ball" goes up and down a pole. Good gawd, I sound like an idiot!
Hello, I'm Jil and I'm a plumbing idiot!
Anyway, the ball has a rod attached and as the ball goes up, the rod goes up and pushes the shut-off valve closed. I can't see how to adjust the thing.
Grr. I hate plumbing. |
floofdog wrote:
If only it were that easy. No long metal arm with a ball on the end. That I would recognize, LOL. Instead, the "ball" goes up and down a pole. Good gawd, I sound like an idiot!
Hello, I'm Jil and I'm a plumbing idiot!
Anyway, the ball has a rod attached and as the ball goes up, the rod goes up and pushes the shut-off valve closed. I can't see how to adjust the thing.
Grr. I hate plumbing. |
Ok so now I know what type you have. Did you notice if there is water flowing into the top of the overflow tube? If so then the float will need adjustment by sliding the metel clip on the pole so it hits the shut-off harder. if there is no water flowing into the tube then were back to the flapper. It prob needs repalcement. It could be cut, dirty, warped or just plain worn out. |
Jil-
If all else fails go to Home Depot and snag a plumbing guy. They are pretty helpful, especially if you act really helpless |
bestdogsx4 wrote:
Jil-
If all else fails go to Home Depot and snag a plumbing guy. They are pretty helpful, especially if you act really helpless |
Yep thats kinda helpfull as they can show you what to look for on the actual parts! |
We have a 30 year old toilet that is used the most in the house but for a number of years has had a hard time flushing especially with lots of toilet paper.
I haven't seen a problem yet after this low cost fix.
I flushed it with the cover off the back and held up the float and the flapper so that no water flowed back into the tank. Then with a flashlight noticed a lime deposit in the hole under the flapper valve. I got my "Lime Away" out and loaded that hole and waited a half hour or so for the bubbling to stop.
Haven't had to plunge it yet and it's been about 10 day so far. |
Hey, what a GREAT idea Jim! Thank you for sharing!
...and welcome to the forum! |
| I'm going to try that out right after I log out!! Thanks for the tip! |
