The toilet monster. Toilet is on first floor and the problem started after the town shut off water for 24 hours after a fool hit a hydrant. Who knows why it took 24 hours to fix?

I have removed the ballcock many times and have flushed the line many times... lots of sand in the bottom of the water storage compartment. Removed sand... looks like I am no longer getting sand... or only occasional piece. Tried the suggestion to 'flip the washer'. Ball cock assembly is white nylon/plastic spindle... starting from bottom is one thin white washer 3/4" diameter then 1"thin black washer then thicker 1 1/4" black washer and then thin 1 1/2' black washer.

I can flip the biggest washer but cannot figure out how to get the other washers off the spindle to flip them. There is also a large turn screw on the side that can be adjusted to let air into the valve area.

Here are the questions: 1) Any secrets to completely flushing the line? 2) How do I get the washers off to flip them or is just the big one important? 3) How tight or loose should the adjusting screw be. A trillion thanks!! :)

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Originally Posted by ms problem toilet

The toilet monster. Toilet is on first floor and the problem started after the town shut off water for 24 hours after a fool hit a hydrant. Who knows why it took 24 hours to fix?

I have removed the ballcock many times and have flushed the line many times... lots of sand in the bottom of the water storage compartment. Removed sand... looks like I am no longer getting sand... or only occasional piece. Tried the suggestion to 'flip the washer'. Ball cock assembly is white nylon/plastic spindle... starting from bottom is one thin white washer 3/4" diameter then 1"thin black washer then thicker 1 1/4" black washer and then thin 1 1/2' black washer.

I can flip the biggest washer but cannot figure out how to get the other washers off the spindle to flip them. There is also a large turn screw on the side that can be adjusted to let air into the valve area.

Here are the questions: 1) Any secrets to completely flushing the line? 2) How do I get the washers off to flip them or is just the big one important? 3) How tight or loose should the adjusting screw be. A trillion thanks !!!!!!!:)

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To flush the line, turn the stop off and then remove the supply from the bottom of the toilet tank (I'm assuming your supply line is a flexible one), put the disconnected end of the line into a shallow bucket or pan and open the stop slowly, repeat as many times as necessary to flush out any debris.

As for the washer flipping, you only get to do this once, and it's possible it's already been done before. Frankly, I'd just replace the ballcock.

Here is an excellent walkthrough of the procedure.

I'm partial to the Fluidmaster 400 series, which can be purchased for 8 or 9 bucks at Lowe's or Home Depot.

Good luck.

"I'm partial to the Fluidmaster 400 series," Just thought I'd give you a "heads up" on FluidMaster ballcocks.
We have had problems with FluidMaster in my area. Seems our water causes the neoprene washer to swell up and close off the hole in the center. Since this is the inlet for the ballcock when it swells shut no water can enter. The upside is that the washer is inexpensive and easy to replace if you realize what's happening. The downside is that it happens gradually and when it finally allows no water to pass the homeowner hasn't a clue which is just dandy for repair plumbers. In and out of the house in less then 15 minutes with a 85$ service call in their pocket. Enough FluidMaster calls and the plumber goes to Aruba on his next vacation. Our water's also tough on flappers too. Cheers, Tom

So, you're saying I should raise my rates to $85.00?:D

I hadn't heard that about the Fluidmasters, Tom.

Is there another brand of ballcock you would recommend?

Growler, I picked 85$ out of my head for a service call. Got charged $87.50 today by a AC man for a service call and figured plumbers should make at least as much as a AC guy. I have been retired since 1988 and while I attempt to stay abreast of new developments I fall woefully short
, (as witness the bad advice I gave the asker on his shower base dap out.) Thanks for pulling me out of that one. I'm glad you're around to keep me straight. While I 've got 50 years of plumbing under my belt most of it has been bossing projects, commercial jobs and warranty repair. So you'll have to pardon me it I'm not up to snuff on the new stuff amd lean on you sometimes. You asked about ballcocks in my area. Mostly CoastMaster.
Regards, Tom