Jiggle the Handle
Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-507 -- More Projects »
Ourhouse.com's Lou Manfredini discusses how to combat toilet leaks, sweaty basins and rust stains without calling in an expert.
- The most common remedy to "jiggling the handle" is to find the flapper inside the tank (figure A). Many times calcium deposits will grow around the inside rim of the flapper and alter the seal to the "throat" of the flush valve. Use a fingernail to scrape this area clean (the tank water is clean). This simple step can save lots of money if the toilet continually runs.
If the float arm isn't adjusted properly, the water level inside the tank may reach the "overflow" point, causing water to drop through the overflow pipe. Typically there is a screw that, with a screwdriver, can be adjusted (figure B) so that the float arm maintains a water level of about a half-inch below the pipe opening.
If the above solutions don't apply, it may be time to replace the entire "fill valve." Shut the water off to the toilet, then flush several times. Once the tank is clear, remove the nut on the bottom of the toilet tank directly under the fill valve (figure C) and the whole thing will pop right out. Replace with a new unit.A sweaty toilet means the water in the tank is a different temperature than in the room. An easy remedy is to buy a toilet-liner kit. These are essentially pieces of plastic foam that are cut to size with a utility knife and fitted around the inside of the toilet tank. This kit insulates the tank and prevents exterior moisture buildup. Condensation can drip on the floor and ruin it, but with this inexpensive kit, that can be avoided.
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