Pittsburgh Plumber Mr Rooter Explains Toilet Repair Including Draining The Tank and Bowl
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Pittsburgh Plumber Mr Rooter Explains Toilet Repair Including Draining The Tank and Bowl

Mr Rooter Tip Of The Day: Many toilet repairs will require the homeowner to drain the tank and bowl.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PRWEB) October 30, 2012 - “Flushing and refilling a toilet are accomplished by the interaction of three main components: the flush mechanism, the refill valve, and the float,” according to Bob Beall, master plumber and owner of the trusted Pittsburgh plumbing service, Mr Rooter.

Pushing the handle down raises the flapper (actually a seal in the bottom of the tank), and that allows water to escape from the tank and flow into the bowl, where it creates a siphon effect that pulls waste water into the main drain.

“There are many different types of refill valves,” according to Beall, “but they all do the same thing: help flush the bowl and fill the tank with fresh water.” Typically this is accomplished in four steps.

Mr Rooter Tip Of The Day

Tip #1 As the tank water level drops, so does the float (a plastic or metal ball or other device), an action that opens the refill valve and lets water re-enter the tank from the supply line.

Tip #2 At the lower water level, the flapper reseals the drain in the bottom of the tank and the water from the refill valve fills the tank again.

Tip #3 The float now rises and coming to a stop at the end of its upward travel.

Tip #4 This shuts off the water in the refill valve, making the tank ready for the next flush.

Trade Secrets: 1) Pulling down the handle raises the lift chain and the flapper. Water leaves the tank into the bowl. The float lowers with the water level. 2) When the water level approaches the bottom of the tank, the flapper will begin to close and fresh water will enter. 3) With the flapper closed, the rising water level raises the float, which, through the float arm gradually closes the refill valve. And finally, 4) When enough water enters the tank, the refill valve closes, and the tank is at its static water level.

Bonus Tip of the Day: Draining A Toilet Tank And Bowl

Mr Rooter says, “Many toilet repairs will require the homeowner to drain the tank and bowl.” I have talked to many customers who believe they can get by without this step, (and some repairs don’t actually require it). “But for repairs that do,” says Beall, “taking the time to remove standing water in the tank and bowl will save you from working in and cleaning up an aggravating mess.” From performing a simple repair to winterizing a house, the bottom line is the same: to get the water out.

“However,” says Beall, “avoid using metal objects to bail out the water – the metal will leave gray marks on the porcelain.”

Tip #1 Turn the tank stop valve off.

Tip #2 If the valve is stuck, use adjustable pliers to loosen the nut under the handle. Close the valve and re-tighten the nut. Check and fix leaks before going any further with the repair. Flush the toilet and hold down the handle several seconds longer than normal to drain the tank.

Tip #3 Using an old towel, mop out any left over water in the tank.

Tip #4 Wring out the towel and push it back into the tank again, repeating the process to get as much water out as possible. Be careful not to put pressure on the tank mechanisms or bend them. Then using a small plastic container, dip the water out of the bowl.

Tip #5 Something pliable, like an empty margarine or cottage cheese container works well. Sometimes a turkey baster will help in the corners, especially if you find the tank is not perfectly level. Sometimes in older homes, floors settle and you will find that water will get trapped into a corner because of the toilet not being level. No matter how much bailing you do, however, there will be a couple of inches of water left in the bowl. Use a rag or an old towel to absorb it.

Trade Secret: If you are emptying the toilet to winterize, all of the water must be removed because the toilet could crack if temperatures drop. Some people put antifreeze into the bowl.

What Can Go Wrong: If the stop valve won’t turn off, loosen the packing nut (the nut under the handle) and turn the valve down. If that fails, it will be necessary to shut off the water at the main house valve and replace the toilet shut-off valve. Do this before going any further with the toilet repair.

One of Mr Rooter Plumbing Pittsburgh’s goals is to provide affordable costs to homeowners for any of the services they may need, many of which might occur unexpectedly. Mr Rooter coupons help to achieve this goal, as well as expert plumbing advice offered daily from master plumber, Bob Beall. Mr Rooter prides itself on excellent customer service. Fast, courteous and front line services is what you should expect. We know the price before we start.

About Mr. Rooter® 

Established in 1970, Mr. Rooter is an all-franchised, full-service plumbing and drain cleaning company serving 2.9 million consumers in the Northeast Ohio and Southwest Pennsylvania region. Recognized by Entrepreneur magazine among its “Franchise 500” and Franchise Times Top 200, Mr. Rooter provides services to both residential and commercial customers. 24/7 emergency plumbing repairs call 1-877-ROOTER2. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit our Web site at http://www.rooter2.com . Follow Mr. Rooter on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mrrootermedia ), or like Mr. Rooter on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/MrRooterPittsburgh).

Mr Rooter currently serves seven major Southwest PA counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Sharon, Mercer, Washington, and Westmoreland. Mr Rooter Youngstown serves three major Northeast OH counties: Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull.

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Debra Santavicca PR, SMM, WebIT

Mr. Rooter Media Center
724-553-9510
http://www.rooter2.com

Contact:

Robert A. Beall
Mr. Rooter Plumbing Pittsburgh
http://www.mrrooterpgh.com
724-776-2266

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