Plumbers 911 - Boston
23 Jan

How to replace the parts inside your toilet tank in Boston

Day after day, year after year, the parts inside your toilet tank, also known as the overflow tube, flush valve, fill valve and flapper, sit in at least two gallons of water. Over time, the metal rusts, the rubber deteriorates and the plastic breaks, which can wreak havoc on your water bill.

The good news is you can replace the inner workings of your toilet tank rather than purchasing a new toilet. Toilet tank parts can be purchased separately or bundled in repair kits. 

While these steps may sound easy, unforeseen issues may arise and a mistake may cost substantially more than you initially anticipated. For instance, overtightening the flush valve or the fill valve could crack the tank, which is not cheap to replace.

We recommend that you replace all the parts at the same time, since you will likely have to empty the tank to perform this work. As is often the case, when one rubber gasket goes bad, it is likely other gaskets will soon break down as well and then you will have to do this similar work all over again.

Also, remember to shut off the toilet’s water valve so once you empty the tank, it does not begin to refill.

If you want to get the job done right and get it done quick, call Plumbers 911 Boston and get referred to a local, licensed plumbing contractor who can make sure your toilet is not wasting water and money.

 

Signs the toilet tank parts need to be replaced

Your toilet won’t stop running

If your toilet will not stop running, the flapper or float may need to be replaced or, if the parts are old enough, the problem could be the ball-cock allowing too much water in the tank, which continuously drains into the overflow tube. 

The flapper or float can be purchased as part of a kit.

Should you have an older toilet, bending the float arm to raise or lower the point at which the ball-cock will shut off the water is an easy solution. However, if this does not work, then you will likely need to replace the unit with a new float valve that uses a cup-fill. This is a modern and reliable version of the ball-cock mechanism.  

 

Fix the way your toilet flushes

If the toilet is not flushing properly, you may need to replace the flush valve. Depending on the toilet, you will utilize one of the following: plunger, flapper, disc, or Douglas flush valve. 

If you are unsure of the the type of flush valve you have, call Plumbers 911 Boston and get referred to a local plumbing contractor who employes highly trained and highly skilled plumbers capable of quickly fixing your commode. 

 

Leaky toliet tank

If your toilet tank leaks, we recommend you replace the old spud washer and the rubber gaskets around the tank bolts. Over time, both tend to break down. 

As a word of caution, you will need a bucket for this project to prevent water from dripping onto the floor. Once the tank’s shutoff valve is closed, flush the toilet and use a rag or sponge to soak up excess water in the tank. 

Next, use a screw driver to unscrew the tank bolts and then remove and replace the gaskets or washers.

Once you have relaced these items, reattach the tank to the bowl in the reverse manner in which you unscrewed it. Be careful not to overtighten these bolts and break the tank, which will wreck all the work you just performed.

 

Call Plumbers 911 Boston to hire a professional plumber

Problems with the inside of a toilet tank may seem simple, but the process can be more complicated, difficult or time consuming than you may think. When you call Plumbers 911 Boston you will be referred to a local plumbing contractor who will be happy fix your toilet problem.

 

All the Plumbers 911 Boston affiliated contractors employ licensed plumbers, who are highly trained, fully vetted, drug tested, insured and bonded. Find a trusted licensed plumber in your area today by giving us a call. 

 

To all our friends and customers regarding COVID-19

We will get through this together To say we are living in “unprecedented” challenging times would be an understatement. We hope this finds you and your family safe and healthy. We would like to list a few pieces of information and websites that we think will be helpful for you during this time.

  • To get the most current information on the COVID-19 virus, please check the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) website at: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html
  • icon showing hand under faucet with large water droplets falling on hand Please wash your hands frequently. Washing with soap and water for twenty seconds is the preferred method, however when water is not available, please use an alcohol based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • icon of person covering mouth while coughing and a border separating from displeased person close by Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from another person.
  • For those of you with children that are looking for something fun to do, there are virtual field trips you can take with your kids that are fun and educational. Here is a link: https://artsandculture.google.com/partner

Plumbers are considered essential workers during this time and we will continue to work as our number one priority is to “protect the health of the nation.” Stay well, stay safe and we will get through this together.

Your Friends at Plumbers 911

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