From any handymen/people who don't want to be handymen but have been forced into it out there.
The stupid flapper on the upstairs toilet was leaking pretty bad, so we bought new guts for it (the old guts were so old and corroded we had to resort to hack saws and such to get the fittings out--not the funnest day I've had). So new guts were installed, and it the flapper valve leaked more than before.
*headdesk*
So new guts, this time the most expensive ones we could find at Blue Big Box Home Improvement Store, were bought and installed. Now the flapper valve only leaks through one tank a day instead one tank an hour, but IT IS STILL LEAKING.
Good Lord, has the manufacturing capability of the world so degraded that nothing fits and rubber isn't a good seal anymore, or am I doing something wrong? Is there some way to make a flapper valve fit better? Some brand that works particularly well?
Because, as it is, I'm starting to feel like we'd be better off without indoor plumbing, and that is NEVER a good sign.
4 comments:
Is the flapper valve twisted?
Do you have floating foam on your chain that is pulling the chain and valve up? Can you adjust that?
Is this flapper replacement sealing against the original ceramic and what condition is that in?
I've seen a plumber use Vaseline on the flapper rim - but I think that is too short term.
Fluidmaster? Generally they do OK.
What North said, plus...
Make sure the seal betwixt the flapper & the seat is clean.
Shut off the h2o & flush. Hold the flapper up (or remove it) & get in there w/some fine steel wool & elbow grease; you want that seat area clean & smoove. AND, make sure the new flapper hasn't been damaged or embedded w/grit the 1st time around- get that clean as new, but DON'T use abrasives on the rubber part.
That Vaseline trick is to show the homeowner how the leak has stopped, giving the plumber adequate time to beat feet before it starts leaking again.
Have fun.
I wanted to write and say a personal thank you for the kind words during Barkley's little dance of a thousand cones. It was much appreciated. We've got good friends both on and off the blog, all are appreciated.
big hug
One thing to add, make sure the chain to the flapper is not too short and holding the flapper short of seating on the outlet correctly.
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