Did you know that a toilet that runs constantly can waste up to 100 gallons a day? It's true. A lot of people just let it go. Not a good idea. If you are on municiple water, this could add to the cost of your water and sewer bill. If you are on a well and septic system, then your well pump and drain field are getting their workout.
There is a simple test that can be done to see if the water is leaking out of the toilet tank into the bowl. Take some food coloring and add a couple drops the the tank in the back. Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Check the bowl after this time and see if the color of the water in the bowl has turned to the color you used in the tank. If so, you have a bad part in the tank. Majority of the time it is the flapper. There are several different types. This is the part that allows the water to exit the tank and enter the bowl by pushing the flush handle.
To replace the flapper: Turn off the water to the toilet at the valve that is located below the tank on the left. Flush the toilet and allow the water to drain out. Hold the handle down longer to get more water out. Different manufatures use different styles. We will use the standard flapper with the ears on the side. Now that the water is out, you can look in to see what the flapper looks like. I would suggest removing the flapper and taking it to the local hardware store and match it up. The flapper will come with installation directions on the package. Follows these directions and install the new flapper.
After the new flapper is installed, you can turn the water back on. You may have to adjust the chain to get it to the correct length. Too short and the flapper will not close. Too long and the flapper will not lift right. Now flush the toilet when the tank is full.
There are other items that can go bad and create this effect as well. A fill valve that does not shut off, or a flush valve that allows the water to seep under the washer. These will be discussed on another post.
http://www.smsplumbing.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment