The mysteries of a running toilet can drive you nuts. Whether you hear water running constantly or cycling on and off, we’ll help you decipher the clues so you can stop most leaks. Hardware stores and home centers carry the parts for almost every repair. One cause of a running toilet is a flapper that doesn't seal. If water from the tank seeps around the flapper and into the bowl, the flapper is probably shot. Test for a leaky flapper as shown in Photo 1. To replace the flapper, first shut off the water supply valve under the toilet (or the main supply if the valve leaks!). Flush the toilet to drain out most of the water, and unhook the old flapper. Buy a new flapper of the same type and install it according to the instructions on the package. Hook the flapper chain onto the flush lever arm so there’s a little slack when the flapper is closed. If the flapper doesn’t leak and the water still runs, inspect the fill tube connected to the overflow pipe (Photo 1).The end should be above the water line.
If the end is under water, cut it back. Next, inspect the fill valve for visible signs of wear and test the float (Photo 2). If the float is improperly adjusted, the tank water level can rise above the overflow pipe and drain into it. Replace the old fill valve if it doesn’t completely shut off or it hampers the float-arm operation (Photo 3). Install a new “floatcup”-style fill valve as shown in Photos 4 and 5. Adjust the float according to the package instructions to establish the proper water level. Finish the installation by attaching the flapper chain to the flush lever as described above. Turn on the water and test flush the toilet.Rooftop terrace installation of the J-480 hot tubRead moreThinking of buying a hot tub? Learn everything about buying a hot tub in our buyers guideRead more You are hereHome:Parts:Flappers & Seals:All Brands The purpose of the toilet flapper is to regulate the flow of water to the toilet bowl.Korky: The #1 brand in toilet flappersInvented by Korky in the 1950’s, the original toilet flapper is the preferred choice among plumbing pros.
With a wide array of flappers, our universal and specific fit flappers are sure to meet the needs of your toilet.Did you know that a toilet flapper is the number one cause of a leaking toilet? Municipalities add chlorine to water to fight bacteria, but the harsh chemical causes flappers to deteriorate. The exclusive longest lasting red rubber in Korky flappers resists chlorine, bacteria, city water treatment, hard water, and well water.Why Korky Toilet Flappers:Made from premium red rubber called Chlorazone®Korky Plus is the best product on the market for withstanding chlorinePreferred choice of Plumbing ProsUniversal solutions fit all brands: American Standard®, Briggs®, Crane®, Eljer®, Kohler®, Mansfield® and TOTO® We have all seen the funny signs posted next to hot tubs and pools telling you not to pee in the water. These signs are funny and we all get a good laugh. But believe it or not, they are there for a reason. Unfortunately, many people simply ignore these warnings thinking what harm could it really do.
The fact is, peeing in a hot tub is gross and can even be dangerous to you and other bathers. Everybody knows that they shouldn’t do it, but many still do. But there are many reasons why you shouldn’t ever consider a pool your personal toilet. While it isn’t a good idea to pee in your own hot tub, it is downright rude to pee in a public hot tub where many other people are enjoying the warm water or in a friend’s hot tub who will then have to take the time to clean their hot tub to get rid of pee you left behind. Would you like to take a bath in your toilet? I didn’t think so. When you pee in the hot tub you are essentially taking a urine bath. Sounds refreshing, doesn’t it? While there may be chemicals in the hot tub to keep the water clean, it doesn’t change the fact that once you have emptied your bladder while bathing meaning you are essentially bathing in your own urine. While you may think peeing in the hot tub is innocent and harmless, it can actually be dangerous to both you and other bathers alike.
One of the main chemical compounds found in pee is urea, which is one of the main nitrogen containing substances found in urine. Studies of urea have shown that it is combined with chlorine and it begins to break down the urea, a new chemical bi-product is formed called chloramine. According to the CDC, chloramine is potentially harmful if it comes into contact with skin in the water or if it is inhaled by breathing the steam of a hot tub. In most cases, the symptoms are mild including irritated and red skin, burning and itch eyes and even mild coughing. In more extreme cases, it has been shown to aggravate asthma sufferers. Routine breathing of chloramine could also increase sensitivity to different forms of bacteria and fungi as well. So, the next time you want to be lazy and not get out to go pee, think about the potential harm you could do to both yourself and others simply by peeing in the hot tub. If you believe someone has peed in your hot tub, you will need to take action to properly clean the hot tub to be sure it is safe for bathers.
Pee prevention is often your best defense against unwanted urination but it may not always be enough. Having a posted set of rules for your hot tub is a great way to help stop at least some of the hot tub tinkling in your hot tub. This is especially important if you have young children using your hot tub. Once you post the rules, remember to strictly enforce them so you can keep your water free from pee. Believe it or not, there can be both urine and feces on your body even if you consider yourself clean. Before getting into the hot tub, take a shower to wash off the extra feces and urine on your body. Showering will also remove any types of lotions and oils on your skin that will also pollute the hot tub’s water as well, which will help keep the water cleaner for much longer. After using your hot tub, if you suspect the water to be full of pee, you should consider shocking the water to oxidize the urine and remove it from the hot tub. Remember, when you shock your hot tub, you will need to wait until the chlorine levels drop before you can use it again.