[marykayob]

Help
We have an older toilet, an old brown one, probably about 25 yrs old. There is an 'extra' tube in it sticking up; it is about 1" in diameter, and is capped off and did seem to leak there after we removed the commode to replace the flooring in the bathroom. We went to Lowes' (the only plumbing source in this small community open on a Sat) and think we replace the gasket on this 'tube'. We cannot see any reson for this tube, it doesan't seem to do anything. Is it a vent? But, we put the commode back and it didn't leak. So we thought we were good, But when you flush it doean't empty completely. It takes 2/3 flushes to empty the bowl.
Why is that, and are we just wasting our time, should we get a new commonde?
I want to try to replace all the guts, since they are old; but my husband isn't sure this is the problem...
And again, not sure if that 'tube' plays into this problem...
Appreciate you advise,
Thanks
Mary kay

[speedball1]

There is an 'extra' tube in it sticking up; it is about 1" in diameter, and is capped off and did seem to leak there after we removed the commode to replace the flooring in the bathroom. We went to Lowes' (the only plumbing source in this small community open on a Sat) and think we replace the gasket on this 'tube'. We cannot see any reson for this tube, it doesan't seem to do anything. Is it a vent?

Your descriptrion is a bit sketchy but if the tube is a vertical piece of capped pipe teed off the toilet supply line then it's a air chamber. If not then I need a much better description. And what's with the "gasket" you had to replace on it? I don't think the tube has anything to do with your problem but I have one that most repair plumbers miss.. Look down at the bottom of the bowl. If there is a small hole, then that is a jet that starts the syphon action. If it's clogged the water will just swirl around and slowly go down leaving solids behind. Take your finger,(UGH! ) and run it around the inside of the opening. Over the years minerals build up and cut down on the syphon (flush) action. If it is rough or you feel build up, take a table knife and put a bend in it to get around the curve in the bowl and chip and scrap it clear. Next take a coathanger and clear out the holes around the rim. They start the swirling action. And last, check the water level in the tank. It should be 1/2" below the top of the over flow tube. And speaking of the overflow tube, Make sure the small 1/8" tube from the ballcock to the white overflow tube is connected so it discharges in it and that it's flowing when the ballcock fills. This is what raises the water level in the bowl. For a good solid flush they all have to work together. Hope this helps and tell me if it does. Regards, Tom