I had to empty the bathtub recently by pouring buckets of water into the commoded. As I did this, it would flush on its own. Now the water level is very low and when I flush the commode using the handle, the water level rises (almost to overflowing) and then flushes. Then it goes back to the low level. Did I mess something up by pouring the water in from the bathtub? Please help!

Jeff

Did I mess something up by pouring the water in from the bathtub?
I don't think so unless you flushed a wash cloth down. But first things first. What's the matter with the tub drain and why do you have to empty the tub with a pail? Let's fix the tub and we'll go on to the toilet. Talk to me, tell me about the tub. Regards, Tom

Tom,

The tub had to be emptied because the drain was leaking. After I emptied out the tub, the plumber fixed the drain and everything's fine with the tub. When I dumped the water in the commode, it flushed by itself and immediately the water level was very low - almost no water in the bowl part at all. I just figured it would 'reset' itself after the first real flush, but it hasn't. We have had no prior issues with this commode at all.

Thanks,

Jeff

Yes, it sounds like you have a drainage problem with your tub, may be affecting the toilet. Need more info.
As far as the low water level in toilet, you have made the toilet flush by dumping in large amount of water. The water level stays low because your fill valve is not filling it back up, because you didn't actually flush the toilet.
Now when you flush the toilet, if the water lever goes higher than normal in the bowl, this takes me back to a drainage problem in your main line. Having problems with any other fixtures in the house draining or gurgling?

Nope! No other problems before or after (except for the drain issue on the tub and that was because it was incorrectly installed by ReBath).

Jeff


So if my only issue is the "water level stays low because your fill valve is not filling it back up", how do I fix that?

Jeff

So if my only issue is the "water level stays low because your fill valve is not filling it back up", how do I fix that?
Jeff

I'm assuming that tyou have a float ball type ballcock,(see image) There's a small tube that comes out of the top of the ballcock.(#5) that must connect into the white overflow tube,(#7) It fills the bowl as the tank fills. Make sure the small tube doesn't fall below the tank water level. Let me know if that was it. Good luck, Tom

I will! Thank you!

Tom offers the best graphics !

I agree with others: make sure the tube marked 5 is pointed to overflow tube 7. Let us know how you did..

Okay guys... sorry it took so long to get back to you. Turns out the answer was "D - None of the Above". Somehow some underwear got flushed and we had a partial clog. New to me, but I'm sure it's happened to someone else (please tell me it has!) :-)

New question - Shower head leaks when we turn on the cold water for a bath. I seriously doubt it's underwear-related, but I'm not discounting anything at this point!

Jeff

New question - Shower head leaks when we turn on the cold water for a bath. I seriously doubt it's underwear-related, but I'm not discounting anything at this point! LOL! Shower heads can leak when the tub fills for a number of reasons. 1) Too short a shower raiser, 2) A partial blockage in the spout that sets up back pressure, **or** 3) excessive house pressure, (what's your house pressure?)
Back to you, Tom

I'm thinking it's more related to the age of the faucets. The condo is 30+ years old and it may be the original equipment. Would worn washers also be a possible cause?


WOW! Have I stumped everyone? I would have thought this was a common issue. Seems I heard somewhere that worn washers in the faucets could cause leaks. ANY ideas?