One of the most annoying things that any homeowner can deal with is a leaking toilet. A dribbling Toilet means water everywhere and a much larger water bill. The reason is because a toilet leak can waste anywhere from 50 to one hundred gallons of water each day. The truth is that in many cases a dribbling toilet could be a DIY project that will not only keep you from paying any nonessential plumbing bills, but assist you in saving you money on your water bill as well .
There are two main causes for a leaking toilet. The first cause can involve water spilling into the overflow tube. The best way to establish if this is by removing the lid of the john tank and checking the water level re the overflow tube, found in the center of the tank. If the water is less than a half in. from the head of the tube, then it’s probable this is the issue. The second reason for a dribbling Toilet is a worn flapper. The flapper, or flush valve, can wear after a couple of years, making it tricky for the water to close off. A great trick to establish this is to drop about 7 drops of food coloring into the loo tank ( not bowl ), waiting for the color to completely disperse. If after 20-30 mins the coloring is in the bowl, you flapper is dribbling.
If the issue is the overflow tube there are few potential answers. This includes tightening the center valve screw, carefully bending the float ball arm downward, or pinching and sliding the silver clip down the fill valve rod. If the water level is that very same after all of these some flushes, the fill valve may need replacing. For the flapper, first wipe any build up from under the flapper and flapper seat, allowing it to fully close. If that does not work, switch off the water with the shut valve, flush the toilet to empty it, and replace the flapper. Flappers are terribly affordable and can be purchased at any local hardware store.
If none of these solutions work, then you need to call in a professional plumber. Do-it-yourself techniques can only take you so far before you risk making the difficulty worse. There is no shame in calling on the help of a pro, especially since you can say that you tried.
Sydney Plumbers, ASAP plumbing services, are the gurus when it comes to fixing trickling toilets and Leaking Shower Repairs Sydney.
Article by Ray McCaskey.