Carlsbad Home Inspector Ensures A Royal Flush

Do you have a toilet that mysteriously keeps running water in the middle of the night? Steve Stenros- First Choice Inspections, a Carlsbad home inspector, explains three common things you can easily check to solve the problem:

1. Notice the chain that is attached to the flapper in the tank. If it is caught on something, the flapper will not make a tight seal at the bottom of the tank, causing the water to continually run. Next, check for sediment or deposit build-up on the flapper itself. This build-up will allow the water level in the tank to slowly drop causing the water to run. Also, look for deterioration of the flapper. If it is cracked, it will leak and should be replaced.

2. See if the fill valve leaks when flushing the toilet. You should not see water spraying out from under the top of the valve. You should see water flowing through the fill tube (attached to the top of the fill valve) and into the overflow tube. If the fill valve is leaking, it should be replaced.

3. Make sure the up and down movement of the float is not restricted in any way. If it is, it will require adjustment. Notice when the toilet tank fills with water; the top of the overflow tube should remain above the water level. If you see the tank water overflowing into the tube, the float assembly will have to be adjusted to prevent this from happening. (Depending on what type of float assembly you have, the adjustment is usually located at the base of the float arm.)

Replacement kits for toilet tanks are relatively inexpensive and fairly easy to install. Before going to the store for a replacement, take note of what type of flush assembly you have, as there are several different types and sizes. Installation is typically very simple and only requires a few common tools. Follow the installation instructions in the replacement kit and you should once again have a properly-operating toilet!

Don't take a gamble! First Choice Inspections is your Royal Flush if you are looking for an experienced Carlsbad home inspector! Steve Stenros is a CREIA home inspector (CA Real Estate Inspection Assoc.) holding the MCI designation (Master CREIA Inspector) and can be reached at 888-335-3040.

Originally posted on ActiveRain.