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plumbing12345 · Apr 19, 2010, 12:18 PM

Hi,

I have a toilet that is under the vanity countertop that is extended from the sink area countertop. When I open the top of the toilet, there isn't much space for me to do replace the ball valve or anything inside of the tank. I have running water problem and it is making loud noises even when it is not being flushed or after flusing. I was able to find some instructions here to diagnose the problem but don't know how I can manage with the limited space.

How would I replace the inside of the tank if there is something on top of the tank?

Thanks,
Plumbing12345

speedball1 · Apr 19, 2010, 12:32 PM

How would I replace the inside of the tank if there is something on top of the tank?

By feel like the rest of us when we run into a vanity top that isn't hinged. It can be done, I've done it many times. Most of the work can be done at the ballcock connection under the tank. Hope you have small hands because it sure helps. Good luck, Tom

ballengerb1 · Apr 19, 2010, 12:34 PM

That was a bad mistake to put a top over the toilet. Fill valves don't last forever and need periodic replacement or maintenance. Your choice now is to remove the counter or pull the toilet. You might also consider just pulling the tank but that will still be tricky when it comes to reinstalling.

plumbing12345 · Apr 19, 2010, 12:48 PM

I have seen many places with toilet set up similar to this. Actually the home builder had it this way. I can't understand why they had this logic to have the toilet under the countertop. Thanks.

hkstroud · Apr 19, 2010, 02:29 PM

What you have is called a banjo vanity top. If you can get your hands in there you should be able to remove the fill valve. If you have a ballcock you will have to break up the ball to get it out. Replace with a Fluidmaster fill valve. You will need about three inches to get the new fill valve in. Set height of Fluidmaster before putting it in.

Other way is to remove the toilet entirely, not a particularly difficult job. Install new fill and flapper valves and reset the toilet with a new wax ring.

truck 41 · Apr 19, 2010, 09:22 PM

If the tank bolts are in good condition you can loosen the bolts and lean the tank over a bit to allow you to reach in there to remove and install new parts. But its better to install a new tank to bowel kit to assure that there are no leaks when everything is back together again. Goodluck.---zeke---