Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Art it looks like the increase is part water wastage and partt increase in sewer taxes. Thanks for the suggestion. Bill Stephan, Kansas City MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 -original message- Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry From: Arthur Rizzino arizz...@verizon.net Date: 10/26/2009 20:27 By any chance could the float be out of adjustment? If so the tank's extra water will run down the over flow and run your water bill up. Art - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 4:29 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Clifford: I hadn't thought about the float saving water until I read your post, but it makes perfect sense now. I wound up getting floats on the two supposedly universal flappers I bought this morning because they don't cost extra, and I can easily remove them if I need to. After all this, the thing is apparently not seated right anyway, because it still occasionally runs. Is there anything else I can do before calling in the professional turd wrastlers? Should I try changing the shut-off unit? I can't see that that would make a difference, but then my batting average on this one is pretty punky anyway. Thanks for any thoughts. I hope there's not some kind of damaging leak going on that I don't know about. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: clifford cliff...@tds.net Date: Sunday, October 25, 2009 1:30 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Dear Dale: I had a problem with the arm dropping too low with a tank on which I had changed out the original handle and arm. I discovered that the adjustment for the arm was related to the position you have the arm in, when you tighten down the nut to hold it in place. In my case, the thread was a left hand thread and it took me a minute to figure out what was going on with the unit. When changing out the flapper on the new model commodes, I make sure and get one without the float, as that is designed in many to cut down on water usage, and since we do not have a shortage of water, since our drought lifted, I prefer the full flush, as that prevents blockages much better. Yours Truly, Clifford Wilson - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 12:17 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Just that I had a similar problem with one of the toilets here a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't really see anything wrong with the flapper but since I had to change out the valve assembly anyway and the flapper was part of that kit I changed the flapper too and the trickle quit. The original flapper was a little stiff and there seemed to be some encrustment on it which didn't really scrape off so I am guessing it just wasn't forming to the seat as well as the new and now softer flapper. I ran into another issue though which I can't explain, the lever arm doesn't seem to want to stop descending so it interferes with the fall float. I took a really stiff piece of wire and bent it to 90 degrees and pushed one end of it into the top of the foam insulation of the tank so the other sticks out horizontally and restrains the lever arm from dropping below about the horizontal. seems to be working. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 11:58 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Dale, I de-slimed the thing as best I could, but we have hard water, and the flapper I'm having trouble with is at least four and a half yhears old, so it's probably time for a new one. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens dleav...@puc.net Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:56 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Try adjusting the chain so it pulls the flapper up a little higher. This causes water to tip out of the flapper so it takes a little longer to settle down onto the seat. You might try wiping around the surface of the flapper seat with a rag too. Sometimes it collects slime and such which interferes with a good seal. Similarly, old rubber on those flappers sometimes gets hard or stiff or otherwise deforms and that can interfere with the seal. Hope this helps. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:27 PM
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Tom, I'll check this out for sure. There's a really nice plumming supply house I can get to if I can ever get some time off of work. Bill Stephan, Kansas City MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 -original message- Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry From: Tom Fowle fo...@ski.org Date: 10/26/2009 11:48 bill, There exists, or used too, a flapper replacement including a new seat for it which fits over the old hole using a goop that comes allready in the underparts of the new seat. This way you just press it into place and hook up the chain and you have an entirely new set of surfaces and the old one hidden by the goop. If the flapper and old seat are both damaged, this may be an easy solution. Tom Fowle On Sun, Oct 25, 2009 at 10:58:24AM -0500, wstep...@everestkc.net wrote: Dale, I de-slimed the thing as best I could, but we have hard water, and the flapper I'm having trouble with is at least four and a half yhears old, so it's probably time for a new one. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens dleav...@puc.net Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:56 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Try adjusting the chain so it pulls the flapper up a little higher. This causes water to tip out of the flapper so it takes a little longer to settle down onto the seat. You might try wiping around the surface of the flapper seat with a rag too. Sometimes it collects slime and such which interferes with a good seal. Similarly, old rubber on those flappers sometimes gets hard or stiff or otherwise deforms and that can interfere with the seal. Hope this helps. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke because the ears wouldn't fit my toilet, and one that fits so poorly the toilet refills every 30 seconds or so. I'm usually pretty easy to get along with when it comes to people making mistakes, but I was a little unhappy, so called the manager of the place after the second flapper didn't work. I was explaining my unhappiness to her, and she said she was truly sorry but that the place had just been held up at gunpoint and they were dealing with the police and could I come in tomorrow. So what could I say. Anyway, then I started switching flappers and have two out of three toilets working, however, when I press the flush handle, the flapper wants to seat itself before the tank empties. Can some of you folks give me some pointers? Do I need to put some kind of small floats on the chains close to the flappers? The old one that I replaced did have a chunk of cork or something similar on the chain, but the replacement flappers don't have anything like that on the chains that came with them. The flappers are hollow rubber if that helps the diagnosis. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
bill, There exists, or used too, a flapper replacement including a new seat for it which fits over the old hole using a goop that comes allready in the underparts of the new seat. This way you just press it into place and hook up the chain and you have an entirely new set of surfaces and the old one hidden by the goop. If the flapper and old seat are both damaged, this may be an easy solution. Tom Fowle On Sun, Oct 25, 2009 at 10:58:24AM -0500, wstep...@everestkc.net wrote: Dale, I de-slimed the thing as best I could, but we have hard water, and the flapper I'm having trouble with is at least four and a half yhears old, so it's probably time for a new one. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens dleav...@puc.net Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:56 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Try adjusting the chain so it pulls the flapper up a little higher. This causes water to tip out of the flapper so it takes a little longer to settle down onto the seat. You might try wiping around the surface of the flapper seat with a rag too. Sometimes it collects slime and such which interferes with a good seal. Similarly, old rubber on those flappers sometimes gets hard or stiff or otherwise deforms and that can interfere with the seal. Hope this helps. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke because the ears wouldn't fit my toilet, and one that fits so poorly the toilet refills every 30 seconds or so. I'm usually pretty easy to get along with when it comes to people making mistakes, but I was a little unhappy, so called the manager of the place after the second flapper didn't work. I was explaining my unhappiness to her, and she said she was truly sorry but that the place had just been held up at gunpoint and they were dealing with the police and could I come in tomorrow. So what could I say. Anyway, then I started switching flappers and have two out of three toilets working, however, when I press the flush handle, the flapper wants to seat itself before the tank empties. Can some of you folks give me some pointers? Do I need to put some kind of small floats on the chains close to the flappers? The old one that I replaced did have a chunk of cork or something similar on the chain, but the replacement flappers don't have anything like that on the chains that came with them. The flappers are hollow rubber if that helps the diagnosis. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
By any chance could the float be out of adjustment? If so the tank's extra water will run down the over flow and run your water bill up. Art - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 4:29 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Clifford: I hadn't thought about the float saving water until I read your post, but it makes perfect sense now. I wound up getting floats on the two supposedly universal flappers I bought this morning because they don't cost extra, and I can easily remove them if I need to. After all this, the thing is apparently not seated right anyway, because it still occasionally runs. Is there anything else I can do before calling in the professional turd wrastlers? Should I try changing the shut-off unit? I can't see that that would make a difference, but then my batting average on this one is pretty punky anyway. Thanks for any thoughts. I hope there's not some kind of damaging leak going on that I don't know about. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: clifford cliff...@tds.net Date: Sunday, October 25, 2009 1:30 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Dear Dale: I had a problem with the arm dropping too low with a tank on which I had changed out the original handle and arm. I discovered that the adjustment for the arm was related to the position you have the arm in, when you tighten down the nut to hold it in place. In my case, the thread was a left hand thread and it took me a minute to figure out what was going on with the unit. When changing out the flapper on the new model commodes, I make sure and get one without the float, as that is designed in many to cut down on water usage, and since we do not have a shortage of water, since our drought lifted, I prefer the full flush, as that prevents blockages much better. Yours Truly, Clifford Wilson - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 12:17 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Just that I had a similar problem with one of the toilets here a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't really see anything wrong with the flapper but since I had to change out the valve assembly anyway and the flapper was part of that kit I changed the flapper too and the trickle quit. The original flapper was a little stiff and there seemed to be some encrustment on it which didn't really scrape off so I am guessing it just wasn't forming to the seat as well as the new and now softer flapper. I ran into another issue though which I can't explain, the lever arm doesn't seem to want to stop descending so it interferes with the fall float. I took a really stiff piece of wire and bent it to 90 degrees and pushed one end of it into the top of the foam insulation of the tank so the other sticks out horizontally and restrains the lever arm from dropping below about the horizontal. seems to be working. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 11:58 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Dale, I de-slimed the thing as best I could, but we have hard water, and the flapper I'm having trouble with is at least four and a half yhears old, so it's probably time for a new one. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens dleav...@puc.net Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:56 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Try adjusting the chain so it pulls the flapper up a little higher. This causes water to tip out of the flapper so it takes a little longer to settle down onto the seat. You might try wiping around the surface of the flapper seat with a rag too. Sometimes it collects slime and such which interferes with a good seal. Similarly, old rubber on those flappers sometimes gets hard or stiff or otherwise deforms and that can interfere with the seal. Hope this helps. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Thanks for this Bob, there's not a lot os f slack in it now, but I can probably tighten it up some. I wound up swapping flappers, and the toilet I was originally concerned with is still running, though infrequently,, so it's back to the hardware store once again. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Bob Kennedy inthes...@att.net Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:58 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry You will either have a rubber string looking strap or a chain coming from the top of the flapper valve. Usually when the valve wants to shut early, there is too much slack in the chain or strap. Try taking out some more of the slack where it goes through the flush rod on the crank. It should be tight enough that you can't hardly move the lever before you hear water starting to drain. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke because the ears wouldn't fit my toilet, and one that fits so poorly the toilet refills every 30 seconds or so. I'm usually pretty easy to get along with when it comes to people making mistakes, but I was a little unhappy, so called the manager of the place after the second flapper didn't work. I was explaining my unhappiness to her, and she said she was truly sorry but that the place had just been held up at gunpoint and they were dealing with the police and could I come in tomorrow. So what could I say. Anyway, then I started switching flappers and have two out of three toilets working, however, when I press the flush handle, the flapper wants to seat itself before the tank empties. Can some of you folks give me some pointers? Do I need to put some kind of small floats on the chains close to the flappers? The old one that I replaced did have a chunk of cork or something similar on the chain, but the replacement flappers don't have anything like that on the chains that came with them. The flappers are hollow rubber if that helps the diagnosis. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Thanks Betsy, I'm hoping you're very very right. It's amazing how some of these really simple tasks take on lives of their own. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Betsy Whitney braill...@hawaii.rr.com Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:06 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Aloha Bill, The two toilets that I have are different in the way that the chain or plastic strip that goes from the flapper to the handle connect. However, on both of them, it is possible to adjust the length of the chain. Mine has a little hook that goes through the chain, so if it is too long, you just move the little hook to the link in the chain that is closer to the flapper. It may take a couple of tries, but I think you'll get it soon. Betsy At 03:27 PM 10/24/2009, you wrote: Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke because the ears wouldn't fit my toilet, and one that fits so poorly the toilet refills every 30 seconds or so. I'm usually pretty easy to get along with when it comes to people making mistakes, but I was a little unhappy, so called the manager of the place after the second flapper didn't work. I was explaining my unhappiness to her, and she said she was truly sorry but that the place had just been held up at gunpoint and they were dealing with the police and could I come in tomorrow. So what could I say. Anyway, then I started switching flappers and have two out of three toilets working, however, when I press the flush handle, the flapper wants to seat itself before the tank empties. Can some of you folks give me some pointers? Do I need to put some kind of small floats on the chains close to the flappers? The old one that I replaced did have a chunk of cork or something similar on the chain, but the replacement flappers don't have anything like that on the chains that came with them. The flappers are hollow rubber if that helps the diagnosis. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: mailto:wstephan%40everestkc.netwstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Jim, they're not new, and the flapper is closing immediately after you let go of the handle. Thanks. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: jim cheet...@frontiernet.net Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:06 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry hi is your toilet an older one or new? the newer ones have heaver flappers so they only flush half at a time. if you want a full flush you have to hold it down. it saves water you know. jim in minnesota [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Dale, I de-slimed the thing as best I could, but we have hard water, and the flapper I'm having trouble with is at least four and a half yhears old, so it's probably time for a new one. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens dleav...@puc.net Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:56 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Try adjusting the chain so it pulls the flapper up a little higher. This causes water to tip out of the flapper so it takes a little longer to settle down onto the seat. You might try wiping around the surface of the flapper seat with a rag too. Sometimes it collects slime and such which interferes with a good seal. Similarly, old rubber on those flappers sometimes gets hard or stiff or otherwise deforms and that can interfere with the seal. Hope this helps. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke because the ears wouldn't fit my toilet, and one that fits so poorly the toilet refills every 30 seconds or so. I'm usually pretty easy to get along with when it comes to people making mistakes, but I was a little unhappy, so called the manager of the place after the second flapper didn't work. I was explaining my unhappiness to her, and she said she was truly sorry but that the place had just been held up at gunpoint and they were dealing with the police and could I come in tomorrow. So what could I say. Anyway, then I started switching flappers and have two out of three toilets working, however, when I press the flush handle, the flapper wants to seat itself before the tank empties. Can some of you folks give me some pointers? Do I need to put some kind of small floats on the chains close to the flappers? The old one that I replaced did have a chunk of cork or something similar on the chain, but the replacement flappers don't have anything like that on the chains that came with them. The flappers are hollow rubber if that helps the diagnosis. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
why this subject line still runs let me ask the question.no matter the brand name if it is american standard or whoever do you know if they are basically made of the same chinette or ? materials? . I ask as we hafe a place called Grossmans bargin outlet and they sell a full size toilet/ tank combo from time to time at $99.00 whereas others are considerably higher. if I had the extra dollars I'd like to build a snazy solid pine outhouse . maybe a 2 seater to put on my side lawn. Lee -- Operator, please trace this call and tell me where I am. .
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Bill why you have that tank cover clear why not for a couple of nights flush but quickly pour in a gallon of store brand white vinegar. would that not help clean some of that up/? Lee On Sun, Oct 25, 2009 at 10:58:24AM -0500, wstep...@everestkc.net wrote: Dale, I de-slimed the thing as best I could, but we have hard water, and the flapper I'm having trouble with is at least four and a half yhears old, so it's probably time for a new one. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens dleav...@puc.net Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:56 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Try adjusting the chain so it pulls the flapper up a little higher. This causes water to tip out of the flapper so it takes a little longer to settle down onto the seat. You might try wiping around the surface of the flapper seat with a rag too. Sometimes it collects slime and such which interferes with a good seal. Similarly, old rubber on those flappers sometimes gets hard or stiff or otherwise deforms and that can interfere with the seal. Hope this helps. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke because the ears wouldn't fit my toilet, and one that fits so poorly the toilet refills every 30 seconds or so. I'm usually pretty easy to get along with when it comes to people making mistakes, but I was a little unhappy, so called the manager of the place after the second flapper didn't work. I was explaining my unhappiness to her, and she said she was truly sorry but that the place had just been held up at gunpoint and they were dealing with the police and could I come in tomorrow. So what could I say. Anyway, then I started switching flappers and have two out of three toilets working, however, when I press the flush handle, the flapper wants to seat itself before the tank empties. Can some of you folks give me some pointers? Do I need to put some kind of small floats on the chains close to the flappers? The old one that I replaced did have a chunk of cork or something similar on the chain, but the replacement flappers don't have anything like that on the chains that came with them. The flappers are hollow rubber if that helps the diagnosis. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] -- Operator, please trace this call and tell me where I am. .
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Unfortunately, while you can buy just the rubber flapper part, usually the damage is on the seat which is the harder plastic or nylon. The seat etches from corrosion and then the flapper valve can't seal completely. Trouble is, you can replace the flapper from the top without a lot of problems. Replacing the seat, which comes with a new flapper, means you have to take the tank off and no one cares for that job... - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 11:58 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Dale, I de-slimed the thing as best I could, but we have hard water, and the flapper I'm having trouble with is at least four and a half yhears old, so it's probably time for a new one. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens dleav...@puc.net Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:56 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Try adjusting the chain so it pulls the flapper up a little higher. This causes water to tip out of the flapper so it takes a little longer to settle down onto the seat. You might try wiping around the surface of the flapper seat with a rag too. Sometimes it collects slime and such which interferes with a good seal. Similarly, old rubber on those flappers sometimes gets hard or stiff or otherwise deforms and that can interfere with the seal. Hope this helps. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke because the ears wouldn't fit my toilet, and one that fits so poorly the toilet refills every 30 seconds or so. I'm usually pretty easy to get along with when it comes to people making mistakes, but I was a little unhappy, so called the manager of the place after the second flapper didn't work. I was explaining my unhappiness to her, and she said she was truly sorry but that the place had just been held up at gunpoint and they were dealing with the police and could I come in tomorrow. So what could I say. Anyway, then I started switching flappers and have two out of three toilets working, however, when I press the flush handle, the flapper wants to seat itself before the tank empties. Can some of you folks give me some pointers? Do I need to put some kind of small floats on the chains close to the flappers? The old one that I replaced did have a chunk of cork or something similar on the chain, but the replacement flappers don't have anything like that on the chains that came with them. The flappers are hollow rubber if that helps the diagnosis. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
You can get one of the newer high efficiency which means half the water used, models at Lowes for 99 to around $130 on average. - Original Message - From: Lee A. Stone To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 12:14 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry why this subject line still runs let me ask the question. no matter the brand name if it is american standard or whoever do you know if they are basically made of the same chinette or ? materials? . I ask as we hafe a place called Grossmans bargin outlet and they sell a full size toilet/ tank combo from time to time at $99.00 whereas others are considerably higher. if I had the extra dollars I'd like to build a snazy solid pine outhouse . maybe a 2 seater to put on my side lawn. Lee -- Operator, please trace this call and tell me where I am. . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Dear Dale: I had a problem with the arm dropping too low with a tank on which I had changed out the original handle and arm. I discovered that the adjustment for the arm was related to the position you have the arm in, when you tighten down the nut to hold it in place. In my case, the thread was a left hand thread and it took me a minute to figure out what was going on with the unit. When changing out the flapper on the new model commodes, I make sure and get one without the float, as that is designed in many to cut down on water usage, and since we do not have a shortage of water, since our drought lifted, I prefer the full flush, as that prevents blockages much better. Yours Truly, Clifford Wilson - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 12:17 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Just that I had a similar problem with one of the toilets here a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't really see anything wrong with the flapper but since I had to change out the valve assembly anyway and the flapper was part of that kit I changed the flapper too and the trickle quit. The original flapper was a little stiff and there seemed to be some encrustment on it which didn't really scrape off so I am guessing it just wasn't forming to the seat as well as the new and now softer flapper. I ran into another issue though which I can't explain, the lever arm doesn't seem to want to stop descending so it interferes with the fall float. I took a really stiff piece of wire and bent it to 90 degrees and pushed one end of it into the top of the foam insulation of the tank so the other sticks out horizontally and restrains the lever arm from dropping below about the horizontal. seems to be working. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 11:58 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Dale, I de-slimed the thing as best I could, but we have hard water, and the flapper I'm having trouble with is at least four and a half yhears old, so it's probably time for a new one. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens dleav...@puc.net Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:56 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Try adjusting the chain so it pulls the flapper up a little higher. This causes water to tip out of the flapper so it takes a little longer to settle down onto the seat. You might try wiping around the surface of the flapper seat with a rag too. Sometimes it collects slime and such which interferes with a good seal. Similarly, old rubber on those flappers sometimes gets hard or stiff or otherwise deforms and that can interfere with the seal. Hope this helps. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke because the ears wouldn't fit my toilet, and one that fits so poorly the toilet refills every 30 seconds or so. I'm usually pretty easy to get along with when it comes to people making mistakes, but I was a little unhappy, so called the manager of the place after the second flapper didn't work. I was explaining my unhappiness to her, and she said she was truly sorry but that the place had just been held up at gunpoint and they were dealing with the police and could I come in tomorrow. So what could I say. Anyway, then I started switching flappers and have two out of three toilets working, however, when I press the flush handle, the flapper wants to seat itself before the tank empties. Can some of you folks give me some pointers? Do I need to put some kind of small floats on the chains close to the flappers? The old one that I replaced did have a chunk of cork or something similar on the chain, but the replacement flappers don't have anything like that on the chains that came with them. The flappers are hollow rubber if that helps the diagnosis. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4540 (20091025) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com [Non-text portions
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
No, About two years ago we installed a Koehler handicap height for my wife. It is a high efficiency model, prior to the low and high flush. We are way behind in water conservation. In 2004 we visited Australia. At the one hotel there was some pretty old bathroom fixtures. It was the first time that I encountered a toilet with two buttons on the top. Low and high flush. - Original Message - From: Lee A. Stone se...@mailsent.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 2:06 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry but are not all those high effiecency bowls low to the floor? just wondering. L On Sun, Oct 25, 2009 at 12:30:09PM -0400, Bob Kennedy wrote: You can get one of the newer high efficiency which means half the water used, models at Lowes for 99 to around $130 on average. - Original Message - From: Lee A. Stone To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 12:14 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry why this subject line still runs let me ask the question. no matter the brand name if it is american standard or whoever do you know if they are basically made of the same chinette or ? materials? . I ask as we hafe a place called Grossmans bargin outlet and they sell a full size toilet/ tank combo from time to time at $99.00 whereas others are considerably higher. if I had the extra dollars I'd like to build a snazy solid pine outhouse . maybe a 2 seater to put on my side lawn. Lee -- Operator, please trace this call and tell me where I am. . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] -- Operator, please trace this call and tell me where I am. . Send any questions regarding list management to: blindhandyman-ow...@yahoogroups.com To listen to the show archives go to link http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemasterPAGE_user_op=view_pagePAGE_id=33MMN_position=47:29 Or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/ Visit the archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following address for more information: http://www.jaws-users.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: blindhandyman-h...@yahoogroups.comyahoo! Groups Links __ NOD32 4541 (20091025) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
thanks Cliff for bringing out the point about blockages . It has been my belief since we long ago agreed to install this small water saver that the outdoor pipe which runs 42 or 43 feet does not always stay open with this water saver. end of rant. Lee On Sun, Oct 25, 2009 at 02:30:11PM -0400, clifford wrote: Dear Dale: I had a problem with the arm dropping too low with a tank on which I had changed out the original handle and arm. I discovered that the adjustment for the arm was related to the position you have the arm in, when you tighten down the nut to hold it in place. In my case, the thread was a left hand thread and it took me a minute to figure out what was going on with the unit. When changing out the flapper on the new model commodes, I make sure and get one without the float, as that is designed in many to cut down on water usage, and since we do not have a shortage of water, since our drought lifted, I prefer the full flush, as that prevents blockages much better. Yours Truly, Clifford Wilson - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 12:17 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Just that I had a similar problem with one of the toilets here a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't really see anything wrong with the flapper but since I had to change out the valve assembly anyway and the flapper was part of that kit I changed the flapper too and the trickle quit. The original flapper was a little stiff and there seemed to be some encrustment on it which didn't really scrape off so I am guessing it just wasn't forming to the seat as well as the new and now softer flapper. I ran into another issue though which I can't explain, the lever arm doesn't seem to want to stop descending so it interferes with the fall float. I took a really stiff piece of wire and bent it to 90 degrees and pushed one end of it into the top of the foam insulation of the tank so the other sticks out horizontally and restrains the lever arm from dropping below about the horizontal. seems to be working. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 11:58 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Dale, I de-slimed the thing as best I could, but we have hard water, and the flapper I'm having trouble with is at least four and a half yhears old, so it's probably time for a new one. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens dleav...@puc.net Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:56 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Try adjusting the chain so it pulls the flapper up a little higher. This causes water to tip out of the flapper so it takes a little longer to settle down onto the seat. You might try wiping around the surface of the flapper seat with a rag too. Sometimes it collects slime and such which interferes with a good seal. Similarly, old rubber on those flappers sometimes gets hard or stiff or otherwise deforms and that can interfere with the seal. Hope this helps. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke because the ears wouldn't fit my toilet, and one that fits so poorly the toilet refills every 30 seconds or so. I'm usually pretty easy to get along with when it comes to people making mistakes, but I was a little unhappy, so called the manager of the place after the second flapper didn't work. I was explaining my unhappiness to her, and she said she was truly sorry but that the place had just been held up at gunpoint and they were dealing with the police and could I come in tomorrow. So what could I say. Anyway, then I started switching flappers and have two out of three toilets working, however, when I press the flush handle, the flapper wants to seat itself before the tank empties. Can some of you folks give me some pointers? Do I need to put some kind of small floats on the chains close to the flappers? The old one that I replaced did have a chunk of cork or something similar on the chain, but the replacement flappers don't have anything like that on the chains that came with them. The flappers are hollow rubber if that helps the diagnosis. Thanks in advance for any suggestions
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
thanks Lenny. we learn more on this list in a short period of time then talking to any well paid plumber . Lee On Sun, Oct 25, 2009 at 02:51:43PM -0400, Lenny McHugh wrote: No, About two years ago we installed a Koehler handicap height for my wife. It is a high efficiency model, prior to the low and high flush. We are way behind in water conservation. In 2004 we visited Australia. At the one hotel there was some pretty old bathroom fixtures. It was the first time that I encountered a toilet with two buttons on the top. Low and high flush. - Original Message - From: Lee A. Stone se...@mailsent.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 2:06 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry but are not all those high effiecency bowls low to the floor? just wondering. L On Sun, Oct 25, 2009 at 12:30:09PM -0400, Bob Kennedy wrote: You can get one of the newer high efficiency which means half the water used, models at Lowes for 99 to around $130 on average. - Original Message - From: Lee A. Stone To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 12:14 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry why this subject line still runs let me ask the question. no matter the brand name if it is american standard or whoever do you know if they are basically made of the same chinette or ? materials? . I ask as we hafe a place called Grossmans bargin outlet and they sell a full size toilet/ tank combo from time to time at $99.00 whereas others are considerably higher. if I had the extra dollars I'd like to build a snazy solid pine outhouse . maybe a 2 seater to put on my side lawn. Lee -- Operator, please trace this call and tell me where I am. . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] -- Operator, please trace this call and tell me where I am. . Send any questions regarding list management to: blindhandyman-ow...@yahoogroups.com To listen to the show archives go to link http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemasterPAGE_user_op=view_pagePAGE_id=33MMN_position=47:29 Or ftp://ftp.acbradio.org/acbradio-archives/handyman/ The Pod Cast address for the Blind Handy Man Show is. http://www.acbradio.org/news/xml/podcast.php?pgm=saturday Visit The Blind Handy Man Files Page To Review Contributions From Various List Members At The Following address: http://www.jaws-users.com/JAWS/handyman/ Visit the archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com/ If you would like to join the JAWS Users List, then visit the following address for more information: http://www.jaws-users.com/ For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the Blind Handy Man list just send a blank message to: blindhandyman-h...@yahoogroups.comyahoo! Groups Links __ NOD32 4541 (20091025) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com -- Operator, please trace this call and tell me where I am. .
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Clifford: I hadn't thought about the float saving water until I read your post, but it makes perfect sense now. I wound up getting floats on the two supposedly universal flappers I bought this morning because they don't cost extra, and I can easily remove them if I need to. After all this, the thing is apparently not seated right anyway, because it still occasionally runs. Is there anything else I can do before calling in the professional turd wrastlers? Should I try changing the shut-off unit? I can't see that that would make a difference, but then my batting average on this one is pretty punky anyway. Thanks for any thoughts. I hope there's not some kind of damaging leak going on that I don't know about. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: clifford cliff...@tds.net Date: Sunday, October 25, 2009 1:30 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Dear Dale: I had a problem with the arm dropping too low with a tank on which I had changed out the original handle and arm. I discovered that the adjustment for the arm was related to the position you have the arm in, when you tighten down the nut to hold it in place. In my case, the thread was a left hand thread and it took me a minute to figure out what was going on with the unit. When changing out the flapper on the new model commodes, I make sure and get one without the float, as that is designed in many to cut down on water usage, and since we do not have a shortage of water, since our drought lifted, I prefer the full flush, as that prevents blockages much better. Yours Truly, Clifford Wilson - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 12:17 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Just that I had a similar problem with one of the toilets here a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't really see anything wrong with the flapper but since I had to change out the valve assembly anyway and the flapper was part of that kit I changed the flapper too and the trickle quit. The original flapper was a little stiff and there seemed to be some encrustment on it which didn't really scrape off so I am guessing it just wasn't forming to the seat as well as the new and now softer flapper. I ran into another issue though which I can't explain, the lever arm doesn't seem to want to stop descending so it interferes with the fall float. I took a really stiff piece of wire and bent it to 90 degrees and pushed one end of it into the top of the foam insulation of the tank so the other sticks out horizontally and restrains the lever arm from dropping below about the horizontal. seems to be working. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 11:58 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Dale, I de-slimed the thing as best I could, but we have hard water, and the flapper I'm having trouble with is at least four and a half yhears old, so it's probably time for a new one. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens dleav...@puc.net Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:56 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Try adjusting the chain so it pulls the flapper up a little higher. This causes water to tip out of the flapper so it takes a little longer to settle down onto the seat. You might try wiping around the surface of the flapper seat with a rag too. Sometimes it collects slime and such which interferes with a good seal. Similarly, old rubber on those flappers sometimes gets hard or stiff or otherwise deforms and that can interfere with the seal. Hope this helps. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke because the ears wouldn't fit my toilet, and one that fits so poorly the toilet refills every 30 seconds or so. I'm usually pretty easy to get along with when it comes to people making mistakes, but I was a little unhappy, so called the manager of the place after the second flapper didn't work. I was explaining my unhappiness to her, and she said she was truly sorry but that the place had just been held up at gunpoint and they were dealing with the police
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Lee, hadn't tought of that. How does it get along with rubber? Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Lee A. Stone se...@mailsent.net Date: Sunday, October 25, 2009 11:16 am Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Bill why you have that tank cover clear why not for a couple of nights flush but quickly pour in a gallon of store brand white vinegar. would that not help clean some of that up/? Lee On Sun, Oct 25, 2009 at 10:58:24AM -0500, wstep...@everestkc.net wrote: Dale, I de-slimed the thing as best I could, but we have hard water, and the flapper I'm having trouble with is at least four and a half yhears old, so it's probably time for a new one. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens dleav...@puc.net Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:56 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Try adjusting the chain so it pulls the flapper up a little higher. This causes water to tip out of the flapper so it takes a little longer to settle down onto the seat. You might try wiping around the surface of the flapper seat with a rag too. Sometimes it collects slime and such which interferes with a good seal. Similarly, old rubber on those flappers sometimes gets hard or stiff or otherwise deforms and that can interfere with the seal. Hope this helps. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke because the ears wouldn't fit my toilet, and one that fits so poorly the toilet refills every 30 seconds or so. I'm usually pretty easy to get along with when it comes to people making mistakes, but I was a little unhappy, so called the manager of the place after the second flapper didn't work. I was explaining my unhappiness to her, and she said she was truly sorry but that the place had just been held up at gunpoint and they were dealing with the police and could I come in tomorrow. So what could I say. Anyway, then I started switching flappers and have two out of three toilets working, however, when I press the flush handle, the flapper wants to seat itself before the tank empties. Can some of you folks give me some pointers? Do I need to put some kind of small floats on the chains close to the flappers? The old one that I replaced did have a chunk of cork or something similar on the chain, but the replacement flappers don't have anything like that on the chains that came with them. The flappers are hollow rubber if that helps the diagnosis. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] -- Operator, please trace this call and tell me where I am. .
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Not really. - Original Message - From: Lee A. Stone To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 2:06 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry but are not all those high effiecency bowls low to the floor? just wondering. L On Sun, Oct 25, 2009 at 12:30:09PM -0400, Bob Kennedy wrote: You can get one of the newer high efficiency which means half the water used, models at Lowes for 99 to around $130 on average. - Original Message - From: Lee A. Stone To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 12:14 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry why this subject line still runs let me ask the question. no matter the brand name if it is american standard or whoever do you know if they are basically made of the same chinette or ? materials? . I ask as we hafe a place called Grossmans bargin outlet and they sell a full size toilet/ tank combo from time to time at $99.00 whereas others are considerably higher. if I had the extra dollars I'd like to build a snazy solid pine outhouse . maybe a 2 seater to put on my side lawn. Lee -- Operator, please trace this call and tell me where I am. . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] -- Operator, please trace this call and tell me where I am. . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
no problem with the rubber and plastics , using the vinegar. If I think about it we do it once a month. it is not perfect but helps keep down the grime. Lee On Sun, Oct 25, 2009 at 03:35:29PM -0500, wstep...@everestkc.net wrote: Lee, hadn't tought of that. How does it get along with rubber? Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Lee A. Stone se...@mailsent.net Date: Sunday, October 25, 2009 11:16 am Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Bill why you have that tank cover clear why not for a couple of nights flush but quickly pour in a gallon of store brand white vinegar. would that not help clean some of that up/? Lee On Sun, Oct 25, 2009 at 10:58:24AM -0500, wstep...@everestkc.net wrote: Dale, I de-slimed the thing as best I could, but we have hard water, and the flapper I'm having trouble with is at least four and a half yhears old, so it's probably time for a new one. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens dleav...@puc.net Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:56 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Try adjusting the chain so it pulls the flapper up a little higher. This causes water to tip out of the flapper so it takes a little longer to settle down onto the seat. You might try wiping around the surface of the flapper seat with a rag too. Sometimes it collects slime and such which interferes with a good seal. Similarly, old rubber on those flappers sometimes gets hard or stiff or otherwise deforms and that can interfere with the seal. Hope this helps. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke because the ears wouldn't fit my toilet, and one that fits so poorly the toilet refills every 30 seconds or so. I'm usually pretty easy to get along with when it comes to people making mistakes, but I was a little unhappy, so called the manager of the place after the second flapper didn't work. I was explaining my unhappiness to her, and she said she was truly sorry but that the place had just been held up at gunpoint and they were dealing with the police and could I come in tomorrow. So what could I say. Anyway, then I started switching flappers and have two out of three toilets working, however, when I press the flush handle, the flapper wants to seat itself before the tank empties. Can some of you folks give me some pointers? Do I need to put some kind of small floats on the chains close to the flappers? The old one that I replaced did have a chunk of cork or something similar on the chain, but the replacement flappers don't have anything like that on the chains that came with them. The flappers are hollow rubber if that helps the diagnosis. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] -- Operator, please trace this call and tell me where I am. . -- Operator, please trace this call and tell me where I am. .
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
The only 2 things that will make the water run would be the unit for filling, whether a flow master style or the traditional ballcock float style, and the flapper valve assembly. If you had a leak before that point, it wouldn't make the toilet run. That should make you feel a little better. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 4:29 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Clifford: I hadn't thought about the float saving water until I read your post, but it makes perfect sense now. I wound up getting floats on the two supposedly universal flappers I bought this morning because they don't cost extra, and I can easily remove them if I need to. After all this, the thing is apparently not seated right anyway, because it still occasionally runs. Is there anything else I can do before calling in the professional turd wrastlers? Should I try changing the shut-off unit? I can't see that that would make a difference, but then my batting average on this one is pretty punky anyway. Thanks for any thoughts. I hope there's not some kind of damaging leak going on that I don't know about. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: clifford cliff...@tds.net Date: Sunday, October 25, 2009 1:30 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Dear Dale: I had a problem with the arm dropping too low with a tank on which I had changed out the original handle and arm. I discovered that the adjustment for the arm was related to the position you have the arm in, when you tighten down the nut to hold it in place. In my case, the thread was a left hand thread and it took me a minute to figure out what was going on with the unit. When changing out the flapper on the new model commodes, I make sure and get one without the float, as that is designed in many to cut down on water usage, and since we do not have a shortage of water, since our drought lifted, I prefer the full flush, as that prevents blockages much better. Yours Truly, Clifford Wilson - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 12:17 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Just that I had a similar problem with one of the toilets here a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't really see anything wrong with the flapper but since I had to change out the valve assembly anyway and the flapper was part of that kit I changed the flapper too and the trickle quit. The original flapper was a little stiff and there seemed to be some encrustment on it which didn't really scrape off so I am guessing it just wasn't forming to the seat as well as the new and now softer flapper. I ran into another issue though which I can't explain, the lever arm doesn't seem to want to stop descending so it interferes with the fall float. I took a really stiff piece of wire and bent it to 90 degrees and pushed one end of it into the top of the foam insulation of the tank so the other sticks out horizontally and restrains the lever arm from dropping below about the horizontal. seems to be working. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 11:58 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Dale, I de-slimed the thing as best I could, but we have hard water, and the flapper I'm having trouble with is at least four and a half yhears old, so it's probably time for a new one. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens dleav...@puc.net Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:56 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Try adjusting the chain so it pulls the flapper up a little higher. This causes water to tip out of the flapper so it takes a little longer to settle down onto the seat. You might try wiping around the surface of the flapper seat with a rag too. Sometimes it collects slime and such which interferes with a good seal. Similarly, old rubber on those flappers sometimes gets hard or stiff or otherwise deforms and that can interfere with the seal. Hope this helps. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Bob: This puppy isn't running continuously or anything like that. Every once in a while, it'll run then shut down after a few seconds, which is why I've been assuming it's the flapper. Do you think it's worth changing out the shut-off unit? I can probably do that one myself, but I don't have the skils to take the tank off and reassemble it. If this were the toilet in my basement I'd probably take a shot at doing it if for no other reason than learning how, but it's one that's used by my wife and houseguests which we have pretty frequently. Thanks for any advice. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Bob Kennedy inthes...@att.net Date: Sunday, October 25, 2009 3:51 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry The only 2 things that will make the water run would be the unit for filling, whether a flow master style or the traditional ballcock float style, and the flapper valve assembly. If you had a leak before that point, it wouldn't make the toilet run. That should make you feel a little better. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 4:29 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Clifford: I hadn't thought about the float saving water until I read your post, but it makes perfect sense now. I wound up getting floats on the two supposedly universal flappers I bought this morning because they don't cost extra, and I can easily remove them if I need to. After all this, the thing is apparently not seated right anyway, because it still occasionally runs. Is there anything else I can do before calling in the professional turd wrastlers? Should I try changing the shut-off unit? I can't see that that would make a difference, but then my batting average on this one is pretty punky anyway. Thanks for any thoughts. I hope there's not some kind of damaging leak going on that I don't know about. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: clifford cliff...@tds.net Date: Sunday, October 25, 2009 1:30 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Dear Dale: I had a problem with the arm dropping too low with a tank on which I had changed out the original handle and arm. I discovered that the adjustment for the arm was related to the position you have the arm in, when you tighten down the nut to hold it in place. In my case, the thread was a left hand thread and it took me a minute to figure out what was going on with the unit. When changing out the flapper on the new model commodes, I make sure and get one without the float, as that is designed in many to cut down on water usage, and since we do not have a shortage of water, since our drought lifted, I prefer the full flush, as that prevents blockages much better. Yours Truly, Clifford Wilson - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 12:17 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Just that I had a similar problem with one of the toilets here a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't really see anything wrong with the flapper but since I had to change out the valve assembly anyway and the flapper was part of that kit I changed the flapper too and the trickle quit. The original flapper was a little stiff and there seemed to be some encrustment on it which didn't really scrape off so I am guessing it just wasn't forming to the seat as well as the new and now softer flapper. I ran into another issue though which I can't explain, the lever arm doesn't seem to want to stop descending so it interferes with the fall float. I took a really stiff piece of wire and bent it to 90 degrees and pushed one end of it into the top of the foam insulation of the tank so the other sticks out horizontally and restrains the lever arm from dropping below about the horizontal. seems to be working. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 11:58 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Dale, I de-slimed the thing as best I could, but we have hard water, and the flapper I'm having trouble with is at least four and a half yhears old, so it's probably time for a new one. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens dleav...@puc.net Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 8:56 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
There really isn't all that much to taking the 2 apart. If you want to call I can walk you through it. All you would need is a hack saw blade in case of trouble, a screw driver an adjustable wrench and a pair of channel locks. I've done a bunch of them so I feel sure I could walk you through the job if you want to try. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 6:10 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Bob: This puppy isn't running continuously or anything like that. Every once in a while, it'll run then shut down after a few seconds, which is why I've been assuming it's the flapper. Do you think it's worth changing out the shut-off unit? I can probably do that one myself, but I don't have the skils to take the tank off and reassemble it. If this were the toilet in my basement I'd probably take a shot at doing it if for no other reason than learning how, but it's one that's used by my wife and houseguests which we have pretty frequently. Thanks for any advice. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: Bob Kennedy inthes...@att.net Date: Sunday, October 25, 2009 3:51 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry The only 2 things that will make the water run would be the unit for filling, whether a flow master style or the traditional ballcock float style, and the flapper valve assembly. If you had a leak before that point, it wouldn't make the toilet run. That should make you feel a little better. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 4:29 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Clifford: I hadn't thought about the float saving water until I read your post, but it makes perfect sense now. I wound up getting floats on the two supposedly universal flappers I bought this morning because they don't cost extra, and I can easily remove them if I need to. After all this, the thing is apparently not seated right anyway, because it still occasionally runs. Is there anything else I can do before calling in the professional turd wrastlers? Should I try changing the shut-off unit? I can't see that that would make a difference, but then my batting average on this one is pretty punky anyway. Thanks for any thoughts. I hope there's not some kind of damaging leak going on that I don't know about. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 - Original Message - From: clifford cliff...@tds.net Date: Sunday, October 25, 2009 1:30 pm Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Dear Dale: I had a problem with the arm dropping too low with a tank on which I had changed out the original handle and arm. I discovered that the adjustment for the arm was related to the position you have the arm in, when you tighten down the nut to hold it in place. In my case, the thread was a left hand thread and it took me a minute to figure out what was going on with the unit. When changing out the flapper on the new model commodes, I make sure and get one without the float, as that is designed in many to cut down on water usage, and since we do not have a shortage of water, since our drought lifted, I prefer the full flush, as that prevents blockages much better. Yours Truly, Clifford Wilson - Original Message - From: Dale Leavens To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 12:17 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Just that I had a similar problem with one of the toilets here a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't really see anything wrong with the flapper but since I had to change out the valve assembly anyway and the flapper was part of that kit I changed the flapper too and the trickle quit. The original flapper was a little stiff and there seemed to be some encrustment on it which didn't really scrape off so I am guessing it just wasn't forming to the seat as well as the new and now softer flapper. I ran into another issue though which I can't explain, the lever arm doesn't seem to want to stop descending so it interferes with the fall float. I took a really stiff piece of wire and bent it to 90 degrees and pushed one end of it into the top of the foam insulation of the tank so the other sticks out horizontally and restrains the lever arm from dropping below about the horizontal. seems to be working. - Original
[BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke because the ears wouldn't fit my toilet, and one that fits so poorly the toilet refills every 30 seconds or so. I'm usually pretty easy to get along with when it comes to people making mistakes, but I was a little unhappy, so called the manager of the place after the second flapper didn't work. I was explaining my unhappiness to her, and she said she was truly sorry but that the place had just been held up at gunpoint and they were dealing with the police and could I come in tomorrow. So what could I say. Anyway, then I started switching flappers and have two out of three toilets working, however, when I press the flush handle, the flapper wants to seat itself before the tank empties. Can some of you folks give me some pointers? Do I need to put some kind of small floats on the chains close to the flappers? The old one that I replaced did have a chunk of cork or something similar on the chain, but the replacement flappers don't have anything like that on the chains that came with them. The flappers are hollow rubber if that helps the diagnosis. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Try adjusting the chain so it pulls the flapper up a little higher. This causes water to tip out of the flapper so it takes a little longer to settle down onto the seat. You might try wiping around the surface of the flapper seat with a rag too. Sometimes it collects slime and such which interferes with a good seal. Similarly, old rubber on those flappers sometimes gets hard or stiff or otherwise deforms and that can interfere with the seal. Hope this helps. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke because the ears wouldn't fit my toilet, and one that fits so poorly the toilet refills every 30 seconds or so. I'm usually pretty easy to get along with when it comes to people making mistakes, but I was a little unhappy, so called the manager of the place after the second flapper didn't work. I was explaining my unhappiness to her, and she said she was truly sorry but that the place had just been held up at gunpoint and they were dealing with the police and could I come in tomorrow. So what could I say. Anyway, then I started switching flappers and have two out of three toilets working, however, when I press the flush handle, the flapper wants to seat itself before the tank empties. Can some of you folks give me some pointers? Do I need to put some kind of small floats on the chains close to the flappers? The old one that I replaced did have a chunk of cork or something similar on the chain, but the replacement flappers don't have anything like that on the chains that came with them. The flappers are hollow rubber if that helps the diagnosis. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
hi is your toilet an older one or new? the newer ones have heaver flappers so they only flush half at a time. if you want a full flush you have to hold it down. it saves water you know. jim in minnesota [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
Aloha Bill, The two toilets that I have are different in the way that the chain or plastic strip that goes from the flapper to the handle connect. However, on both of them, it is possible to adjust the length of the chain. Mine has a little hook that goes through the chain, so if it is too long, you just move the little hook to the link in the chain that is closer to the flapper. It may take a couple of tries, but I think you'll get it soon. Betsy At 03:27 PM 10/24/2009, you wrote: Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke because the ears wouldn't fit my toilet, and one that fits so poorly the toilet refills every 30 seconds or so. I'm usually pretty easy to get along with when it comes to people making mistakes, but I was a little unhappy, so called the manager of the place after the second flapper didn't work. I was explaining my unhappiness to her, and she said she was truly sorry but that the place had just been held up at gunpoint and they were dealing with the police and could I come in tomorrow. So what could I say. Anyway, then I started switching flappers and have two out of three toilets working, however, when I press the flush handle, the flapper wants to seat itself before the tank empties. Can some of you folks give me some pointers? Do I need to put some kind of small floats on the chains close to the flappers? The old one that I replaced did have a chunk of cork or something similar on the chain, but the replacement flappers don't have anything like that on the chains that came with them. The flappers are hollow rubber if that helps the diagnosis. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: mailto:wstephan%40everestkc.netwstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry
You will either have a rubber string looking strap or a chain coming from the top of the flapper valve. Usually when the valve wants to shut early, there is too much slack in the chain or strap. Try taking out some more of the slack where it goes through the flush rod on the crank. It should be tight enough that you can't hardly move the lever before you hear water starting to drain. - Original Message - From: wstep...@everestkc.net To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:27 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Adventures in toiletry Well folks, as the subject line indicates I've been trying to fix a leaking or running toilet today. So far the lads at the hardware store, you know, the one that's a mile from my house on foot and a mile bac, have sold me two flappers, one which I broke because the ears wouldn't fit my toilet, and one that fits so poorly the toilet refills every 30 seconds or so. I'm usually pretty easy to get along with when it comes to people making mistakes, but I was a little unhappy, so called the manager of the place after the second flapper didn't work. I was explaining my unhappiness to her, and she said she was truly sorry but that the place had just been held up at gunpoint and they were dealing with the police and could I come in tomorrow. So what could I say. Anyway, then I started switching flappers and have two out of three toilets working, however, when I press the flush handle, the flapper wants to seat itself before the tank empties. Can some of you folks give me some pointers? Do I need to put some kind of small floats on the chains close to the flappers? The old one that I replaced did have a chunk of cork or something similar on the chain, but the replacement flappers don't have anything like that on the chains that came with them. The flappers are hollow rubber if that helps the diagnosis. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Bill Stephan Kansas Citty MO Email: wstep...@everestkc.net Phone: (816)803-2469 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
