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GailVinCa · Dec 11, 2013, 10:51 AM

Beginning last night, I thought I had a clogged toilet as the water would not go down when I flushed it. I plunged and plunged, nothing. It started to overflow, so, did the crazy thing with the towels to try and keep things dry. I did take a pan, lowered the water level figuring I would be "safe" overnight. Not so, got up to water on the floor, water level at the very top of toilet. I could hear a slight sound of water running so I removed tank cover. It appears that if I put pressure on the flapper, the water running sound stops. I'm hoping that I can just replace that part and the issue will be fixed. Can I just replace that part or do I have to replace all parts associated with it also? I finally turned the water off to my condo, am sick of cleaning up the mess and trying to keep the water level down. Thanks, in advance for your help!

massplumber2008 · Dec 11, 2013, 11:23 AM

Hi Gail

Replacing the flapper is certainly something that needs to be done, but I am confident that you also have a clogged toilet there as well... ;)

Here, if the toilet wasn't clogged then the water that gets past the flapper would simply go down the toilet drain... would not rise or overflow the toilet..

Replace the flapper and then try plunging the toilet... you may need to purchase a CLOSET AUGER tool and snake through the toilet to clear it if the plunger doesn't work.

Finally, replacing the flapper with an EXACT REPLACEMENT from the same manufacturer will increase the chances of a good seal.

Back to you,

Mark

GailVinCa · Dec 11, 2013, 12:23 PM

Hi Mark, I'm not sure how to write you back, hopefully you will get this. Thank you so much for your help, greatly appreciated. I'm going to take a picture of the "guts" of my toilet with my phone, take it with me. I do have an "auger", kind of coil type thing that you do by hand, will try that after I change out the flapper. Thanks again, Gail V in CA

speedball1 · Dec 11, 2013, 02:21 PM

I'm assuming that the lavatory and tub/shower, a drain okay. Is that correct?

I do have an "auger", kind of

does your closet auger looked like this?(See image) . If not then pick up the correct one.

Here is how to adjust your tank parts:

Check the tank water level, it should be at the mark in the tank or 3/8 to 1/2" below the top of the over flow tube. Now look at the flapper, If it has wavy edges on the flat surface, replace it. The linkage between the flapper and the flush lever should have 1/4" play when the tank is filled. Also, check the small tube coming out of the top of the ballcock and make sure it's connect to and draining into the white overflow tube. If the leak is at the base of the tank there are two brass bolts on both sides of the flapper, if the tank is loose, leaking or wobbly, snug up the bolts. If there is dampness at the base of the bowl, pop off the china caps and snug down the closet bolts.

More questions? I'm as close as a click. Also, if you need instructions on how to attach a picture let me know and I'll be glad to help. Good luck and let me know how you make out, Tom