adjusting float

Common Repairs

Remove the tank lid, and look to see if the water level is too high--it should not be passing into the overflow tube. If it is, the water will shut off when you pull up on the float ball. Bend the rod slightly downward so the float ball sits a bit lower. With a float like the one shown on Repairing Toilets, Related Projects, adjust the clip.

checking float

A cracked float takes on water. When this happens, the ball won't rise enough to trip the ballcock. To check out this possibility, agitate the ball. A faulty ball will make a swishing sound. Unscrew a faulty float ball, and replace it with a new one.

Checking flappers

If water continually trickles into the bowl, and perhaps even causes the toilet to weakly flush occasionally, the problem is probably in the flush valve. It has two parts: a flapper or a tank ball, and the flush valve seat into which the flapper or ball drops to seal the bottom of the tank while it fills. Often the seat simply needs cleaning.

NOTE: Shut off the water to the tank, and flush the toilet to get the water out. Check the tank ball or flapper. If it has gunk on it, wipe it clean and smooth, using an abrasive pad. Once it's cleaned, feel the valve seat to see if it is pitted or corroded if it's metal. Flexible seats can be pried out and replaced. If you have a damaged metal seat, replace the entire flush valve.

removing ballcock

NOTE: Shut off the water, and flush the toilet. Remove the four screws on top of the ballcock, and lift off the bonnet. Clean out any deposits. Replace any worn parts, including the plunger. If a number of parts look worn, replace the entire ballcock.

ballcock diagram

NOTE: Shut off the water, and flush the toilet. This is the oldest type of ballcock, and there are a number of parts that can go bad. You may need to replace it with either a diaphragm or float-cup ballcock. But first try cleaning and replacing the washers.

Remove the thumbscrews holding the float rod mechanism in place, then lift it out and set it aside. Remove the plunger by pulling up on it. Typically, you'll find a seat washer as well as a couple of other washers. (In very old models, you may even find leather washers.) Remove and replace all of the washers, reassemble the mechanism, and turn the water back on.

float-cup ballcock

NOTE: Shut off the water and flush the toilet. This is the newest and the simplest design, and it rarely acts up. Pry off the cap, then remove the bonnet by lifting the lever on the float rod mechanism, pushing the mechanism down, and twisting counterclockwise firmly. Clean out any gunk, and replace the seal if it looks worn.