PROJECTS ONLINE: FLUSH TANK PROBLEMS: WHEN THE TANK IS FULL BUT WON'T FLUSH
Project Difficulty:
Moderate Estimated
Project Time: 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on problem
Tools and Materials:
Float replacement kit
Screwdriver
Rubber washers
Gasket or "O" ring
Adjustable wrench
Pliers
Cup to bail water
Wire coat hanger
Sponge
If your flush tank is full but the toilet won't flush, the problem may be a break in the linkage, such as a corroded handle or chain that needs replacing. Check the chain between the lift wire and the lift arm, and repair or replace it if needed. If the lift wire is rusted or snapped, replace it with a new one. Replace the flush handle, if it is corroded. Realign the lift-wire guide, if it is jamming the lift wire.
If these steps don’t fix the problem, then the difficulty may not be with the linkage. Try lifting the flush valve directly by hand. If the toilet doesn't flush, then there is most likely a blockage in the connection between the tank and the bowl. In this case, try running a wire coat hanger through the passage between the bottom of the flush tank and the toilet bowl, to dislodge the blockage.
If this doesn't resolve the problem, try the following to unclog the connection between tank and bowl.
1.
Turn Off Water
Turn off the water supply to the tank at the shutoff valve or, if there is none, at the main water-supply valve.
2.
Empty Tank
Bail as much water from the tank as possible out of the tank, and then sponge out the remainder.
3.
Disconnect Water-Supply Line
Disconnect the water-supply line to the ball cock mechanism by unscrewing the nut that connects them at the bottom of the tank (Fig. 1). Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the retaining nut, while using pliers to secure and prevent the ball cock assembly from rotating. Place a bucket under the connection to catch water remaining in the water line or the tank.
4.
Remove Bolts
Remove the bolts holding the flush tank to the back of the toilet bowl (or to the wall), taking care not to exert so much force on the wrench as to crack the vitreous china, which is expensive to replace.
5.
Unclog the Passageway
Lift off the flush tank and reexamine the passageway connecting it to the toilet bowl. Unclog the passageway, and then reassemble the flush tank.
