by "Cé hé sin" (michael-m-mouse)
Published 06/21/2017 at 14:54
by "Cé hé sin" (michael-m-mouse)
Published 06/21/2017 at 14:54
Tags: Plumbing
STARS: 2
We had a domestic emergency. A toilet took several attempts to flush and was getting progressively worse. Call a plumber, or ask Mr Google the plumber? Mr Google of course.
Mr Google explained unhelpfully that the issue was the flapper valve and provided unhelpful videos showing a cistern that was equipped nothing like any I’ve seen before. Seemingly it’s how they’re done in America.
Back to Mr Google then to find something more relevant to those of us who have syphon equipped cisterns. Success this time. New diaphragm or entire syphon required.
So step 1. Haul out old syphon unit.
Step 2. Examine for damage.
Yes, that’s torn. Yes, they get mucky from dissolved rust and whatnot.
Step 3. Discover that you can get the diaphragm on its own and that they’re all the same size.
Step 4. Fit shiny new diaphragm (or washer as some call it) and reassemble everything
Step 5. Flush with ease and confidence.
Total cost: €4.80 plus fuel to the DIY shop.
"TheBimmerGuyWhoNowOwnsAChevy" (thebimmerguy)
06/21/2017 at 15:00, STARS: 1
I’m pretty good at fixing things, but when it comes to fixing toilets, I just jiggle the thingies and hope for the best, usually works.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
06/21/2017 at 15:03, STARS: 1
Google and Home depot have seen me through more than a couple of toilet repairs.
"TheRealBicycleBuck" (therealbicyclebuck)
06/21/2017 at 15:26, STARS: 1
This repair is so common that you can get the parts in the hardware section at walmart. Neat tip - we can get both styles here in the states. I converted the guest bathroom from the float style to the siphon(?) style a few months ago. The only downside to the float style is possible overlap between the flapper and the float. If you hold the handle down too long, the float drops down far enough to block the flapper and hold it open.
"OPPOsaurus WRX" (opposaurus)
06/21/2017 at 16:14, STARS: 0
I like to punch and kick things when they stop working. I’ve had mixed results.
"TysMagic" (twjeffery)
06/21/2017 at 16:20, STARS: 0
I replaced the toilet in our master bathroom a little while ago. I was very surprised at the simplicity of working on them once I actually got in to it. I’m not saying I want to be a plumber, but I feel dangerous enough to tackle the projects on my own.
"Cé hé sin" (michael-m-mouse)
06/21/2017 at 16:25, STARS: 0
I’ve never seen or heard of the valve type until today. The internets tell me that until 2011 the valve design was banned in the UK because it tends to leak water when worn and I guess something similar applied here.
"TheRealBicycleBuck" (therealbicyclebuck)
06/21/2017 at 16:28, STARS: 1
That’s funny. The float type is one of the easiest to adjust if the valve is leaking water. All you have to do is bend the metal arm a bit so the float is pushed deeper into the water. This increases the amount of force holding the valve shut. Tadum! No more leak!
"Cé hé sin" (michael-m-mouse)
06/21/2017 at 16:36, STARS: 0
I’m sure that’s the case, but I guess many people either don’t bother or decide they’re going to call the plumber “sometime”.
"Frank Grimes" (FrankGrimes)
06/21/2017 at 19:00, STARS: 1
I also had a toilet repair. Stupid toilet rocks. so i got a nex wax ring and bolts and shimmed that bastard and lets hope it doesnt rock around ever again. Few things are as disconcerting as sitting down to blast one and the whole freaking toilet moving and clanking.
"TheRealBicycleBuck" (therealbicyclebuck)
06/21/2017 at 19:03, STARS: 1
It’s shocking how many people never learn how to make simple repairs.
"jmedarts" (jmedarts)
06/22/2017 at 09:51, STARS: 0
Not 10 minutes ago I found my brand new toilet (tank cracked) running, and opened it up to this exact view!
One of the flapper arms was popped off it’s hinge, likely knocked off during installation, only used it once since. Popped her back on and it’s good to go. Hoping the mechanicals in the new toilet are more durable than the old, was installing the fixit kits every 18 months or so. Not rocket science, but a filthy mess in an undesirable, hard to reach spot.