The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Do it Yourself Discussion! => Topic started by: katsiki on February 16, 2016, 08:02:52 PM
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Both of our toilets have a running problem from time to time. We have changed the "guts" out on both and that helps. However, it always comes back. Have we advanced in toilet technology to something more reliable? :) I would appreciate any pointers!
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I have found that the standpipe assemblies that hold the flapper off the bottom of the tank by an inch or so to be more reliable than those with the flap at the bottom of the tank. There is less chance of sedimentation holding the flapper off the seal.
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My observation is that there are some awful flappers out there. The rubber ones (usually black) seem to break down with the chlorine. Try a silicone flapper (usually red where I buy them.)
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you may need to replace the parts that sit between the bowl and the tank. There are just two bolts to unscrew after draining the tank. Make sure the tank itself is clean (debris will prevent a seal on the flapper) and that the center tube is high enough that water is not draining through that when the tank is full. The typical rebuild should last between 6 months and a year if you have very hard water, or maybe several years if your water is less alkaline and mostly chlorine free.
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Thanks for all the feedback!
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you may need to replace the parts that sit between the bowl and the tank. There are just two bolts to unscrew after draining the tank. Make sure the tank itself is clean (debris will prevent a seal on the flapper) and that the center tube is high enough that water is not draining through that when the tank is full. The typical rebuild should last between 6 months and a year if you have very hard water, or maybe several years if your water is less alkaline and mostly chlorine free.
Depending on how old the toilet is, if the tank bolts are corroded, you may have to drill off the tops to get them out. (They are typically brass) Pay attention to the gasket that sits between the tank and bowl as well. A universal gasket may not fit - try and find one made for your toilet.
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They make a retrofit kit for toilets that turns a regular toilet into a European style with the 2 push buttons. The way this system works doesn't have the problem that the flapper does and it also saves water. I have installed two of them and they work great.