Toilet Valve Adjustment and Water Consumption

Several days ago we got a call from a customer telling us they are having issues with high water consumption and their toilets continually running.

Did you know that as much as 80,000 gallons of water can be wasted each year by an undetected toilet tank leak?

In investigating toilet issues we found that this problem can be caused by either a faulty toilet valve and/or a leaking flapper valve.  To fix these problems there are 2 things you need to check.

1. Check the toilet valve for proper adjustment.

If you happen to have a toilet that has the old type toilet valve with a float that cuts the water off when it reaches a certain level, you can adjust the valve by screwing the adjustment screw into the valve or bend the brass float holder toward the water.  That way you cause the valve to shut off sooner and reduce the level of water in the tank.  If this valve is out of adjustment it will overflow and water will drain into the bowl thereby causing you to use water.

If you happen to have one of the newer type valves you will need to adjust the screw that attaches the float to the cut off valve.  Just turn the screw counter-clockwise to make the float move down toward the water.  This will reduce the amount of water in the tank.

If you make this adjustment and the water continues to drain into the overflow tube, then you need to change the valve.  This is an easy task and can be accomplished in about 30 minutes and for less than $20.  All you need to do is go to your local hardware or do it yourself store (Home Depot or Lowes) and purchase a new valve.  They usually run about $15 - $20 and are very easy to change. 

All you need to do is follow these 12 easy steps and you will save a lot of time, money and water:

a. Turn off the water supply at the wall behind or to the side of the toilet.

b. Flush the toilet and hold the handle down so most of the water goes out of the tank.

c. Put a bowl or catch basin under the water supply line that attaches to the tank to catch the extra water when you remove the water supply line.

d. Remove the water supply line that attaches to the current valve.  This under the water bowl usually to the left or right of the bowl.

e. Unscrew the plastic or metal retaining bolt that holds the valve on under the tank.

f. Remove the old valve and water flow tube.
g. Unscrew the retaining bolt from the bottom of the new valve.

h. Push the new valve into place with force to compress the rubber seal holding it tight until the retaining bolt is in place.

i. Screw the retaining bold on until it is hand tight and then release the valve.  Tighten it about half a turn more.  This should seal the valve to prevent leaks.
j.  Connect the overflow tube to the overflow spout as shown in the direction from the valve supplier

k.  Connect the water supply line to the bottom of the new valve and tighten with a snug fit.  Caution...  DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN AS YOU WILL BREAK THE HOUSING SCREW.

l. Turn on the water and allow the bowl to fill.

m. Check for leaks.  If there are leaks tighten each area as necessary.

2. Check for a leaking flapper valve.

If water is not leaking into the overflow tube but water is leaking into the toilet bowl and continues to run, then the problem is probably the flapper valve.

This is an easy fix as well and can be accomplished in about 20 minutes and for less than $10.  Again, all you need to do is go to you hardware store and purchase a flapper valve replacement kit.  There are in many types so make sure the one you purchase will work on your toilet. After you turn the water supply off, just take the one you have off and take it with you to the supply store so they can help you pick the proper replacement.

Just follow the following steps and you can accomplish this task with ease:

a. Turn off the water supply at the wall behind or to the side of the toilet.

b. Flush the toilet to remove most of the water.

c. Remove the existing flapper valve and take the chain off the flush handle rod.

d. Replace the old with with a new one similar the the one you removed.

e. Insert the new flapper onto the attachment brackets on either side of the overflow tube.

e. Attach the metal chain to the flush handle rod.

f. Turn the water supply on.

g. Allow the tank to fill completely and check to see if the flapper valve is still leaking.  If it is still leaking then the valve supplied by the supply house is not the correct model.

If all else fails just call a professional or One Call Home Handyman and we will help in any way we can.

If you have any questions please email us at sales@onecallhomehandyman.com or go to our site at http://www.onecallhomehandyman.com/