Leaky Toilet?

[Ralph Wiggum]

Okay,

One of our toilets has been leaking slowly. If it is really quiet, I can hear a dribble, and it kicks on to fill the tank back up every once-in-a-while.

I replaced the flapper a few days ago figuring that that would stop it, but it's still leaking.

What's my next step?

[Surface Tension]

Jiggel the handle.

Theres a vertical tube the water overflows into. Tank water level should be just below that. The float rises and shuts the water off via a valve. To adjust the level use the set screw at the base of the float rod. If it still leaks with proper water level and the flapper is good then you need a new valve.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Is the valve easy to replace?

[sparcebag]

The valve is easy to replace,turn off water flush,under tank a nut remove and replace,BUT first lift the new flapper take a dish scrub pad(like steel wool)clean the seat where flapper makes the seal try it again! tank water shoule be bout 1 inch below over flow that surface talks of.

[luckey]

If you buy a new valve, make sure the hight can be adjusted. Tanks are various hights and if you get one too tall, the cover will not fit.

[mntraveler]

I had the same issue the other day and couldn't figure out the problem for a while. Turns out I had a (hopefully I can use a brand name) Kaboom toilet cleaner deal in the tank. It works by going through a chamber with chemical granuals and then discharges into the drain tube (not into the tank itself) in order to keep the working parts in good repair. Anyway, the fill tube (from the Kaboom) was below the water level in the tank and was siphoning the tank dry. This scenario is a long shot. My gut feeling is it's your valve like an above poster mentioned.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Yeah, nothing like that in the tank. I'll try your suggestions.

[Double D]

Do like sparcebag said and clean the flapper seat.

If it's the flapper the water will not go up to the overflow tube. If it's the valve the water will go up and out the overflow.

Good Luck!

DD

[backlash 1]

Ralph,

The way to test if it is a flapper problem or not is to put some food coloring into the tank, wait until the tank water is all colored. If the flapper is bad, you will see the water in the toilet bowl turn the same color as the food coloring. (usually happens within 15 min or so) Believe me, all flappers are not created equal. If it is a flapper problem, not knowing what brand toilet you have, a good universal flapper is a red "Korky". ( make sure to cut it where they say to cut it).

Otherwise, if you replace the fill valve, use a fluidmaster 400 valve or equivelent and install per directions.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Thanks!

I used the red Korky and cut where they said to cut

I used the scrubber like Sparce suggested. Now, I will test it out with the food coloring.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Alright, I put red food coloring in the tank, waited 15 minutes or so, and the water in the bowl was turning pink, so I've still got a leak.

It's a Kohler toilet.

Brand new red Korky flapper.

I scrubbed the flapper seat really well.

Is it time for a new fill valve? Flush valve? Should I just get a complete kit?

[Enids Hubby]

I have a kohler that was a year old and leaked ends up it was the flapper . I replaced it with the red corky one . The flappers and other seals go bad if you use intank cleaners . DO NOT USE THEM . If yours is still leaking did yours also have a foam float on the chain . Mine did and it seem to lift the flapper off the seat , just take the foam float off the chain and problem will be solved . it might flush a little more water though .

[backlash 1]

Ralph

Kohlers are real fussy on flappers, they have about 4 different styles they use,and Korkys usually will not be the ticket for them. Do you still have the old one? If so, take it in to a plumber and have them match it up for you. If not, if you get me the date code and model #(stamped into the bottom of the lid, or the inside back of tank, I will find correct one.

The flapper is the only possibility of the dye getting into the bowl, outside of the water level in the tank being to high and running into the overflow, which you would see.

Do you still hear the seepege as much as before you changed the flapper?

[Ralph Wiggum]

I tried pulling the float on the chain off as was mentioned above, and I'll be darned, I think that might have done it. Seems to be alright now, at least.

I just noticed a blown-up view of the inner working inside the cover which lists the flush ball as 84225.

Other than that, in the tank, it says:

Kohler KB3

K4620 1.6GPF_UPC

20404

Thanks for the help!

[backlash 1]

Ralph

Good deal!!! All of our Korkys come with a new chain pre attached. HD and others must sell them without chain???

Anyway, once tank water is clear, test with coloring again, to make sure.

Good luck and good fishing

[colonel42]

Here is what I would do. Run down to the nearest Fleet mart. Buy a new toilet and wax ring. Install and your problem will go away. $100.00 and 20 minutes of your time.

[colonel42]

Forgot to tell you granted I'm from up north but please don't put old toilet in your front yard and use it as a flowering pot. Maybe thats just a trend some of the elderly people up here do. Not very attractive. Just my two cents worth.

[Ralph Wiggum]

The problem is solved.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Update:

It was still leaking, albeit really slowly. Saturday, I put in a whole new flush valve and it has been performing great! Kind of a PITA, but well worth it, I guess.