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The most common leak is around what is
called the flush valve, which is that hole in the bottom
center of the tank (not the bowl). The stopper that holds
the water in the tank is either a toilet ball, disc or a
flapper. The ball - which doesn't look like a ball at all
- has two interconnected rods screwed into it. The disc is
on a hinged chain or plastic strap hooked to it. The
flapper is a hinged device and also has a chain or plastic
strap hooked onto it.
When these things leak, they allow water to seep
continually from the tank into the bowl and, often
undetected, on down the drain. There are several ways to
check if yours is leaking. You can put some food coloring
into the tank. If the water in the bowl changes that color
in about 5 to 10 minutes, you have a leak. Another test;
Simply turn off the water supply to the tank. If after 15
to 30 minutes, the water level is noticeably down, you
have a leak. In some commodes, you can place a piece of
toilet tissue in the bowl above the water line. If it then
gets wet, you have a leak.
If you have a leak, it usually can be fixed by replacing
the ball/disc/ flapper. Regardless of which kind you have,
it should be replaced about every two years. |
