water level, refill, and leaks

[plumbing_magic]

Hello:

In order to adjust the water level in the toilet tank what needs to be done? I think item 1 (a piece of plastic that juts out) and item 2 (a screw) in the picture are relevant here.

When the tank refills, should water be flowing through the tubes labeled 3 and 4. In this instance, water does not flow through the tube connected to the overflow pipe (#4); however, the water level in the toilet bowl is normal? How does that happen?

If there is no leak at the base of the fill valve assembly (#5), and the tank empties with the shutoff valve closed, does that mean the flapper (#6) needs to be changed?

If water leaks through the base of the fill valve assembly (#5), can it be fixed by loosening and retightening the nut underneath or do I need to purchase a new fill valve assembly? I noticed a leak after the fill valve unit was jostled around a bit.

Thank you so much!

 

[jeffmattero76]

That is not the type that I am familiar with, but they all operate in a similar way.

To adjust the water level, you need to move the blue float either up (less the water in the tank fill higher) or down (let's the water fill the tank less). When the valve shuts off the water, the level should be 1/2" to 1" below the top of the overflow tube.

You can tighten the fill valve by removing the supply line from below the tank, and tightening the nut that holds it to the tank. Then reinstall the supply line.

If the tank empties without being flushed, then yes, you probably need a new flapper. Run your finger or a sponge around the flush valve opening (where the flapper seals it) to make sure it is clean and smooth. Also make sure that the chain from the handle has a slight bit of slack in it, so the flapper can close fully.

If you can't get the water level adjusted, you can buy a new Fluid master fill valve for less than $10. Takes about 10 minutes to replace.

 

[plumbing_magic]

That is not the type that I am familiar with, but they all operate in a similar way.

To adjust the water level, you need to move the blue float either up (less the water in the tank fill higher) or down (let's the water fill the tank less). When the valve shuts off the water, the level should be 1/2" to 1" below the top of the overflow tube.

You can tighten the fill valve by removing the supply line from below the tank, and tightening the nut that holds it to the tank. Then reinstall the supply line.

If the tank empties without being flushed, then yes, you probably need a new flapper. Run your finger or a sponge around the flush valve opening (where the flapper seals it) to make sure it is clean and smooth. Also make sure that the chain from the handle has a slight bit of slack in it, so the flapper can close fully.

If you can't get the water level adjusted, you can buy a new Fluid master fill valve for less than $10. Takes about 10 minutes to replace.

Hi, thank you for your response!
To reduce the water level, the plastic screw needs to be rotated counterclockwise, correct?

Also, When the tank refills, should water be flowing through the tubes labeled 3 and 4 in the picture. Should water flow through #3?
Additionally, water does not flow through the tube connected to the overflow pipe (#4); however, the water level in the toilet bowl is normal. Is something amiss here?

 

[jeffmattero76]

First, to lower the water level, you need to turn the screw in whichever direction moves the blue float DOWNWARDS. I don't know if that is clockwise or countrrclockwise, but you should be able to tell as you turn it.

I have no idea what #3 is for. It appears that it would dispense water to the top of the float, but that makes no sense to me.

#4 should be dispensing water. That pushes water through the little holes around the rim of the toilet as the toilet refills. It helps keep the bowl clean.

Again, if you can't get it to work properly, it is a simple and cheap fix to get a new fill valve. That mighth be both easier and quicker.

 

[havasu]

Spend $8 and purchase a new Fluidmaster #400. While you are at it, get a new flapper, since it is obviously rotting away.

 

[plumbing_magic]

Spend $8 and purchase a new Fluidmaster #400. While you are at it, get a new flapper, since it is obviously rotting away. View attachment 20115

Thanks guys! Do you recommend a flapper?

 

[jeffmattero76]

I have always used the Korky flapper. Not that it is anything special, it's just what the orange big box carries.

 

[havasu]

Korky is good. Just remove your existing flapper and match the size needed.

 

[plumbing_magic]

I removed both the fill valve and flapper for replacement. I am wondering if the black gasket under the overflow pipe will leak because as I was removing the flapper some of that gasket material got on my fingers. Maybe it is only corroded superficially on the outside. You think I have to replace that gasket? Looks like those three screws can be removed and the gasket can be replaced, but I want to leave it alone if it is not on the verge of causing a problem. What do you think? Thanks!

 

[havasu]

Don't borrow trouble. If it is fine, just leave it. But please clean up the surface where the flapper seats to make sure you have a completely flat and smooth surface for the flapper to land on. If the swelling of the black gasket is stopping your flapper from seating properly, then it is time to replace it.

 

[plumbing_magic]

Thanks for your help guys! 24 hours after install, no leak at the fill valve nut and the overflow pipe gasket appears to be holding. Powerful flush and Fast refill time with the new parts.

Parts used:
Fluidmaster 400A Universal Toilet Fill Valve
Fluidmaster 502 PerforMAX 2 in. Water-Saving Flapper

 

[havasu]

Two items that are worth mentioning. Make sure that float is far enough away from the inner wall of the toilet to make sure it does not snag at all when filling with water. Also, the 400a usually includes a clip to secure the black hose so it does not have to be shoved down the flush tube. There is a chance that water could be siphoned out from the tube, allowing you to lose water in the tank.

 

[plumbing_magic]

Two items that are worth mentioning. Make sure that float is far enough away from the inner wall of the toilet to make sure it does not snag at all when filling with water. Also, the 400a usually includes a clip to secure the black hose so it does not have to be shoved down the flush tube. There is a chance that water could be siphoned out from the tube, allowing you to lose water in the tank.

Thank you! I re-oriented the fill valve. No leak at nut 48 hours after re-install. Also, you will see in the second image in the post below that the black tube does not go deep into the overflow pipe.

 

[plumbing_magic]