This is a pretty common situation, especially since most of us were schooled in that long ago when toilet mechanisms were not as advanced as they are today. In fact, if you were a child, this is probably the only time you’ve seen the toilet in use.
It’s pretty simple really, and even though it’s not a very pretty picture, it’ll show you how to get your toilet working again.
First you’ll need to remove the lid of the toilet, this is where the water from the tank is stored. With a long screwdriver, or a similar tool, insert it into the hole at the bottom of the tank and pull it out to expose the screw that holds the lid in place. Loosen this screw with a wrench and remove the lid.
Now remove any excess water from the tank and toilet bowl by using towels or a plunger. Using a plastic garbage can or milk carton, scoop out as much water as possible to ensure that there are no clogs in the water line. After scooping out as much water as possible, you’ll need to clean out all the sediments in the toilet bowl using a chemical cleaner. If the clog is in the toilet drain lines, use a plumber’s snake to unclog the line. In the event that the clog is in the toilet’s mechanical components, you’ll need to either replace the toilet or find the leak and find the cause of the leak.
How to fix a tank that won’t flush
If the toilet tank won’t flush, it’s because the float has gone. If it’s already float when you get the toilet, you’ll need to adjust the toilet’s float . First place some tape around the fill valve to prevent it from flying out with toilet paper. Now take a flush valve and adjust it to the correct float level. The level should be somewhere between about 3/16″ to 1/8″ lower than the toilet tank. This should only take a few minutes for a skilled do it yourself home depot helper. There’s really no reason to hire a plumber, since a flush valve can do this job for you. If it still won’t flush, remove the tape and flush valve, and then flush again. If this didn’t solve the problem, there’s a good chance that the float’s either misplaced, or it’s an off-grade, or it’s a leaky toilet tank. To check the tank level, you can get an adjustable spanner from a hardware store or plumbing supply store. To check if it’s leaking, you can buy a toilet leak detector.
How to replace a toilet.
* First shut off the toilet water valve, open the tank valve and flush the toilet to drain all the water from the tank.
* After you’ve shut off the water source, you can do this by folding a toilet tank flapper under the valve and gently wiggling it until you hear it snap. This is a very simple job.
* When installing the flapper, it’s very important that you put it in the same way as the manufacturer puts it. If it’s placed differently, the toilet will not flush.
* Now that you’ve drained the tank, you can install the flapper, using the instructions supplied with it. Be sure to place it in the same way on the toilet rim as the manufacturer places it. If the instructions are not followed, the toilet will not flush.
* Once the flapper is installed, the flapper is in place. Use the instructions for flapper installation. When done, you can close the tank valve, open the water supply and let the water run for a few minutes.
Flapper install:
* Next, connect the flapper, using the instructions supplied with it. When connecting the flapper, make sure the flapper threads are facing up. If the instructions are not followed, the flapper may not seal properly.