Photo from Today's Homeowner
Here are some ways to troubleshoot your American Standard toilet.
How to Stop a Running Toilet
Tools
A pair of cutting pliers
A pair of normal pliers
Rubber gloves
1. Check the Fill Tube
The fill tube is in the tank. Remove the lid in order to find the tube. The fill tube runs from the fill valve all the way to the overflow tube and it is small and flexible. The tube is the mechanism that channels water through the overflow tube down to the toilet bowl in every flushing cycle.
In the event that the fill tube falls off, re-attach it to the fill valve with a firm push. To be sure that it is secure enough, make sure it is about 1” in the rim of the overflow tube.
To be sure that you have properly reattached the fill tube, flush the toilet and observe to see that the water is streaming as it goes down the overflow tube.
2. Check the Float
The adjustable float in the toilet tank is usually what controls the water levels in the tank. When the float is too low, the flushing power will be low and when it is set too high, the toilet will keep running since water will spill into the overflow tube, making it difficult for the fill valve to shut off.
Keep adjusting the toilet up and down by turning a screw that is usually at the rod. Keep flushing the toilet as you adjust the float, until you see that the water is shutting off at the set proper level.
The set proper level in this case is defined by the critical level. Whereby, the water level should be at least 1” below. The mark is usually found on the fill valve.
3. Flush Handle Adjustment
If the flapper chain is too short, the flapper will be unable to shut completely and water will keep flowing into the bowl. On the other hand, a chain that is too long is also not efficient. A long chain will prevent the flapper from opening wide as it should in order for it to stay open enough for a full flushing cycle.
To prevent the mentioned problems, adjust the linkage chain so it leaves enough room for the flapper to close. For a chain that is too long, cut it and leave about 1”.
To check that the flush rod does not strike the lid when you flush the toilet, bend it and readjust the chain.
4. Replace the Flapper
The above three steps should fix your toilet leak. If they fail to stop the leaking, the problem might be that the flapper is worn out. Shut off the water supply and remove the worn out flapper. Take it with you when you go to buy a replacement for you to be given the exact model. If the exact model is not available, the universal flappers may be the next best choice.
After you have procured the new flapper, install it in place of the previous one, and in a way that it opens and closes properly. If the toilet is still running, replace the flapper once more and the leaking should stop.
How to Fix the American Standard Toilet Handle
The toilet handle can malfunction due to various reasons but the handles can be easily fixed.
Tools
A pair of slip joint pliers
Plumber’s tape
Step 1: Fix the Loose Handle
If the handle comes loose, use a pair of pliers to tighten the nut and the washer that is on the inside of the toilet tank. Make sure to not over-tighten the nuts because the porcelain might crack or the threads could get striped.
If the handle is stuck in the flush position, it may be that it is not properly installed. To fix it, unfasten the nut washer and position it to parallel with the top edge of the toilet tank. Re-tighten the nut once more.
Step 2: Stripped Threads
Stripped nuts are often the reason for the nuts to not tighten as they should.
Use white plumber’s tape or electrician’s tape to wrap the threads to fix them. Tighten the nut after you have slipped the washer and the nuts.
You can always replace the handle with a new one.