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Reebsies · Jul 11, 2009, 08:58 AM

Yesterday I noticed that the upstairs toilet was running constantly, so I tried the old "jiggle the handle" trick which (of course) didn't work. I just left it at that point.

Before bed, I thought maybe flushing it might help, so I used that bathroom. When I went to flush, it wouldn't flush at all! I took off the tank cover and there was only a couple inches of water inside. I lifted the flapper valve and nothing happened. I gently pushed/pulled on the float which promptly snapped off in my hand! (So I know that's one thing I'll have to replace, LOL).

I decided to turn off the shut-off valve, just to get the water to stop running for the night. Even with it fully turned off, the water is still running. There is a slow, dripping leak from the shut off valve (issue #2) so I put a bowl underneath it and went to bed.

This morning when I checked on it, there is still a couple inches of water in the tank and there are bubbles coming from the bottom of the fill valve. The water in the toilet bowl is clear (which surprised me because I couldn't flush the night before) and at normal level.

Of COURSE all this happens the day my Dad (who can fix/build anything) leaves for a 2 week vacation. My husband is away for the weekend too, but he's no more handy than I am.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! :)

N0help4u · Jul 11, 2009, 09:02 AM

As long as the flapper isn't secured down on the thing it rests on your water is going to constantly run and not fill.
You need to keep the valve off when it is not working properly or you can look forward to paying up to a hundred extra per month on your water bill.

Reebsies · Jul 11, 2009, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by N0help4u

As long as the flapper isn't secured down on the thing it rests on your water is going to constantly run and not fill.
You need to keep the valve off when it is not working properly or you can look forward to paying up to a hundred extra per month on your water bill.

The flapper is closed and the seal seems OK... I just lifted it to see if the toilet would flush (even though there wasn't much water in the tank) but then released it back into closed position.

N0help4u · Jul 11, 2009, 09:53 AM

It isn't going to flush as long as there isn't sufficient water.

When mine breaks and I don't have time to get it fixed I keep the water off and take a big bucket and dump it in the toilet. You have to do it fast and have enough for it to work.

afaroo · Jul 11, 2009, 10:05 AM

Hello Reebsies,

It seems that you have several problems.
1. you have problem with your angle valve that will not close and shut off the water.
2. the angle valve is dripping (leaking).
3. You have problem with your float that is broken.
4. you may have problem with you flapper valve or the flush valve assembly.

All these are easy to fix, first please tell me which one is fill valve see the image, and second tell me where is water leaking from the angle valve see the image below, Thanks.

John

Reebsies · Jul 11, 2009, 12:16 PM

Thanks afaroo.

My fill valve is like the diagram on the right, with the ball float (which snapped off where the arm attaches to the fill valve). I can't tell if the bubbling is coming from the bottom of the #4 part of the diagram or the seal at the bottom because they are very close together in my tank. I do think the seal might be bad though.

The leak seems to be coming from between the packing nut and the neoprene rings (in the diagram). It only drips once every 10 seconds or so.

afaroo · Jul 11, 2009, 12:28 PM

You need to replace the ball or the arm, and see what happens, if still have problem let us know and we will tell you what would be your next step, on the leak tighten the packing nut on the angle valve 1/4 of a turn it should fix your leaking problem, Thanks.

John

ballengerb1 · Jul 11, 2009, 12:45 PM

"The flapper is closed and the seal seems OK" if your tank was empty then this is not a correct assumption. That's John's item number 4. I'd replace the valve with the one on the left, fluidmaster 400a and also the flush valve with set. Hole kits go for about $18.

afaroo · Jul 11, 2009, 02:55 PM

I agree with Bob (Ballengerb1) to be on the safe side purchase the Fluidmaster 400AK Complete Toilet Tank Repair Kit for under $20 at home depot see the image below, replace the fill valve, flush valve the flapper, and tighten the packing nut you will be OK, Thanks.

John

Reebsies · Jul 11, 2009, 06:30 PM

You all have been so helpful and I really appreciate it! Just checking in with an update:

Tightening the packing nut on the shut off valve stopped the leak. :)

I hadn't seen the posts about getting a whole tank kit before I went to the store, so I only bought a new fill valve. The guy in the plumbing department told me to get one like this:
Quality Toilet Repair parts Thousands to choose from!

I shut off the water at the valve, drained the tank and was ready to go. I expected some water to come out when I disconnected the hose under the tank, but the water just kept coming and coming. It actually started spurting once the plastic nut was almost off, so I just tightened her back up again. I guess the shut-off valve isn't working.

In order to keep the water from filling the tank (even with the shut off valve closed) I had to wedge a piece of plastic under what's remaining of the float arm.

I'm going to have a glass of wine now.

afaroo · Jul 12, 2009, 01:19 AM

I am sure you are done with your glass of vine by now, here is what you need to do, shut off the water to you house, loosen the packing nut, remove the stem assembly, remove the washer at the end, get a new washer replace and install the stem, now you change your fill valve, and you are done with your fill valve I hope this will fix your problem, you still may need to replace the flush valve assembly, see the image below for the angle valve washer replacement.
I will not recomment the fill valve you have, you better get the one I have poste for you. Good luck.

John