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Project Difficulty:
Moderate
Estimated
Project Time: 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on what is needed
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| Tools and Materials: |
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Pipe wrench
Screwdriver
Float ball
Flapper
Fine steel wool
Tank ball valve, as needed
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The following shows you how to adjust the water level in your toilet for maximum efficiency, and how to fix a toilet with poor flushing action.
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1.
When the Water Level is Too Low
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If the water level is low in your tank, there are a couple of things that may be at fault. First, the float may be set too low. Adjust the float as needed using the adjustment screw at the top of the ball cock assembly. If there is no screw, bend the float arm up carefully, by hand, until the water level is about 1/2 inch below the top of the overflow tube.
Another possible cause for this problem could be an obstructed pipe. Disconnect the flush tank from the toilet bowl, and remove any debris in the connecting pipe. Then reassemble the toilet bowl and flush tank.
Finally, check to see whether the flapper is seating properly. If not, you may have to replace it. Turn off the water supply and flush. Remove the chain or wires from the trip lever, and then slide the old flapper up and off the overflow tube. Slide the new flapper down over the overflow tube until the ring touches the tank bottom. Then adjust the flapper ball so that it centers on the valve opening (Fig. 1). Adjust the lift chain as needed.
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2.
When the Water Level is Too High
If the tank water is too high, try adjusting the float arm. If there's a float arm adjustment screw on top of the ball cock, turn the screw counterclockwise to adjust the float downward. If there is no adjustment screw, then gently bend the float arm downward by hand. If this doesn't resolve the problem, check the tank ball valve. If the valve seat is worn out, shut off the water supply, flush the tank, and lift up the tank ball valve. Using very fine steel wool, clean the valve seat very carefully, making sure that the corrosion is removed but that the metal is not scratched. If necessary, unscrew the ball valve from the lift arm, and then replace it with a new one.
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3.
Poor Flushing Action
This happens when there's not enough water in the flush tank. Either the ball valve is worn out or the valve seat is worn or corroded. First try adjusting the float rod upward with either the adjustment screw on the top of the ball cock assembly, or gently bend the float arm upward. Using very fine steel wool, clean the valve seat very carefully, making sure that the corrosion is removed but that the metal is not scratched. If the ball valve is worn out, unscrew it from the lift arm, and then replace it with a new one.
You may also experience poor flushing action if you have a "low flush" toilet, in which case you may have to live with the problem. You may find that newer models are slightly more efficient.
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