TOILET LEAK INFORMATION:

TO CHECK FOR A "FLAPPER LEAK" IN YOUR TOILET TANK:

The flapper is a large rubber plug in the bottom of the toilet tank. The toilet tank is located in the back of the toilet where the unused water for the toilet bowl is stored. If you see or hear any water movement in the toilet bowl when it has NOT been used recently, you may have a flapper leak. To check for a leak:

1. Carefully remove the lid from the tank and place it securely out of the way.
2. Place a toilet dye pill or a small amount of dark food coloring in the tank. Wait at least 20 - 30 minutes. If coloring comes through the tank into the bowl, WITHOUT FLUSHING, you have a leak. Repeat test every six months.
3. Touch the flapper. If the coloring from your flapper gets on your fingertips, your flapper is deteriorating and needs to be replaced.

 

YOU HAVE A LEAK INSIDE YOUR TOILET TANK IF:

• the lift wires and/or guide are corroded, bent, or hanging-up affecting proper flapper closing
• the valve seat (the receptacle for the flapper) is scaled or corroded

 

CORRECTING "OVERFLOW" TOILET LEAKS:

Examine the water level. If water is leaking into the top of the overflow pipe, the ballcock valve needs adjusting or replacing. If you are not sure if the water is spilling into the overflow pipe, place some finely ground pepper or baby powder along the walls of the toilet tank. If the powder moves toward the center, you have an overflow leak.

• Adjust the float arm until the water level is 2" below the top of the overflow pipe.
• Position the metal float arm slightly for desired water level.
• On a plastic float arm, turn the adjusting screw located on the top of the arm.
• If your toilet has a fluidmaster type ballcock valve, adjust the sliding clip.

 

CORRECTING "SIPHON" TOILET LEAKS:

Adjust the refill tube above the water line, 1/4" over the overflow pipe. Clip the tube to the overflow pipe to stabilize it so it does not insert deeply into the overflow pipe. The refill tube should never be "stuck down" into the overflow pipe.