I just had all new 1.6 gallon toilets installed in my house to replace the 6 gallon size. One of these new toilets is "flushing itself" when ever someone sits on it. The flapper is new since it was just installed, so that shouldn't need replaced. Could it have something to do with the water pressure coming into the toilet, or would it be the toilet is not sitting level? The toilet is sitting on ceramic tiles. Any suggestions?
Toilet flushes by itself..brand new
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Dunbar Plumbing
Master Plumber
Yes. Find out your incoming static water pressure.
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GrumpyPlumber
Licensed Grump
Let me guess...when you look in the tank there's a piece of styrofoam on the flapper.
If so...take it off...OR try adjusting the fill level lower.
If none of that works...toss in a cleanout thingy.
No matter what...don't get a plumber...they cost too much...just come here and ask "rugged"
If so...take it off...OR try adjusting the fill level lower.
If none of that works...toss in a cleanout thingy.
No matter what...don't get a plumber...they cost too much...just come here and ask "rugged"
Dude,
You arrrrrrrrrrr Grumpy.
You arrrrrrrrrrr Grumpy.
Dunbar Plumbing
Master Plumber
GrumpyPlumber said:
You're the king of one-liners and I thought I was good. Why as a plumber are you instructing the OP to remove that crucial device placed on the lift chain that allows the flapper to drop at a predetermined point? Most times that's a random service call I get to put those back on.....the toilet works fine.
The "fill level" should be either clearly marked on the back of the tank with an etched line into the unfinished porcelain or tagged on the overflow.
If none are present......5/8" below the top of the overflow is the norm......on new valves I set at 1" because that seat over time will change the setting upwards from the wear of the rubber components.
You're not here for entertainment purposes only are you?
GrumpyPlumber
Licensed Grump
RUGGED said:You're not here for entertainment purposes only are you?
Quote:
Originally Posted by GrumpyPlumber
Sinkhole...the whole setup is fantastic, in fact you should build a soffit and box it in...don't worry about any of those silly cleanout thingies...they're just there for show...box them in too.
I just joined, I was thinking this was a forum for plumbers to chat plumbing, swap idea's, trade experiences with new fixtures...etc.
I see alot of that.
I see something else.
GrumpyPlumber
Licensed Grump
Terry said:
Think of a young version of Walter Matthau.
GrumpyPlumber
Licensed Grump
Cass said:
My wife can dream
It's not just for plumbers.
It's for homeowners too.
Sometimes getting information like this, helps a homeowner, to either learn how it should be done, or why a professional would need to be brought in. I work in construction, and I can do many of the trades if I need to.
It doesn't mean I want to do them though.
Sometimes it's just easier to hire someone with all the tools and skills.
But I'm still going to do some of them, and so will they.
Sometimes it's just a little thing that makes something right.
When I was traveling in Central America, I found that knowledge of plumbing would help everyone in the long run.
You can't make improvements without knowledge.
There aren't many books on plumbing in Central America, but they do have the Internet.
When I was in the Cayes of Belize, I asked they local plumber learned plumbing.
"Easy, they just copy the building next door, most of the plumbing is run on the outside."
I looked, it was all done wrong.
It's for homeowners too.
Sometimes getting information like this, helps a homeowner, to either learn how it should be done, or why a professional would need to be brought in. I work in construction, and I can do many of the trades if I need to.
It doesn't mean I want to do them though.
Sometimes it's just easier to hire someone with all the tools and skills.
But I'm still going to do some of them, and so will they.
Sometimes it's just a little thing that makes something right.
When I was traveling in Central America, I found that knowledge of plumbing would help everyone in the long run.
You can't make improvements without knowledge.
There aren't many books on plumbing in Central America, but they do have the Internet.
When I was in the Cayes of Belize, I asked they local plumber learned plumbing.
"Easy, they just copy the building next door, most of the plumbing is run on the outside."
I looked, it was all done wrong.
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GrumpyPlumber
Licensed Grump
I'm a self employed plumber and spend a large amount of time listening to people say things like "It shouldn't take that long" ...or "I have an uncle who's a plumber that says this shouldn't cost more than..." "I can do it myself, but would rather you did....will it cost much?"
Last month was the clincher...."Thats seems a little expensive...I think I'll look around online"
Helping someone change a faucet washer...sure ...ok
Encouraging someone to alter a cast iron waste stack...that god only knows, could be right above electrical or a gas line...I dunno bout that.
Also...regarding my comment on the toilet flapper...I've had flappers with too much bouyancy...water seeping/partial flushing and removing the styrofoam did the trick with out running out to my truck for a new one, but you wind up having to hold the handle down for a full flush (cheapo depo toilet) ....When a cutomer tells me the toilet "flushes" on its own when some one sits on it sounds like the flapper is "trigger happy".
Or the level is just at the overflow tube and the slight movement causes it to seep even, maybe sounding like a flush to the customer.
(interpretations are an amusing thing on the phone and as I can see now...online as well)
Excessive water pressure would cause the toilet to fill faster...maybe more noisily...maybe get a "thump" when it finishes filling...or water hammer...but to make it flush...dunno bout that.
Last month was the clincher...."Thats seems a little expensive...I think I'll look around online"
Helping someone change a faucet washer...sure ...ok
Encouraging someone to alter a cast iron waste stack...that god only knows, could be right above electrical or a gas line...I dunno bout that.
Also...regarding my comment on the toilet flapper...I've had flappers with too much bouyancy...water seeping/partial flushing and removing the styrofoam did the trick with out running out to my truck for a new one, but you wind up having to hold the handle down for a full flush (cheapo depo toilet) ....When a cutomer tells me the toilet "flushes" on its own when some one sits on it sounds like the flapper is "trigger happy".
Or the level is just at the overflow tube and the slight movement causes it to seep even, maybe sounding like a flush to the customer.
(interpretations are an amusing thing on the phone and as I can see now...online as well)
Excessive water pressure would cause the toilet to fill faster...maybe more noisily...maybe get a "thump" when it finishes filling...or water hammer...but to make it flush...dunno bout that.
Verdeboy
In the Trades
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Grumpy, I see that you can make positive contributions to this forum. You just need to try a little harder than most.
On my last job, I had to install a tub, tub surround, toilet, tub faucet, do several drywall repairs, caulk everything, etc..
This customer told me that he knew someone who could drywall a whole house in a few hours, someone who could do all the plumbing in an hour, and so on.
I asked him, "Why don't you just hire them?" He said they were all too busy.
When it came time to pay the bill, he said I had to go to his wife's place of employment to get my money--tomorow!
He's on my list of people I won't work for again.
On my last job, I had to install a tub, tub surround, toilet, tub faucet, do several drywall repairs, caulk everything, etc..
This customer told me that he knew someone who could drywall a whole house in a few hours, someone who could do all the plumbing in an hour, and so on.
I asked him, "Why don't you just hire them?" He said they were all too busy.
When it came time to pay the bill, he said I had to go to his wife's place of employment to get my money--tomorow!
He's on my list of people I won't work for again.
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The one I like is,
"I like your knowledge, I would like "you" to do the work, but at the other guys price".
I can't tell you how many times the homeowner later told me that they wound up paying what I had quoted up front, but with many change orders and mistakes, and delays.
All I could think was, Didn't these other guys know what they were getting into? Or do they just talk low, and then keep billing?
Oh Yeah, this was a toilet question.
http://www.toiletology.com/
"I like your knowledge, I would like "you" to do the work, but at the other guys price".
I can't tell you how many times the homeowner later told me that they wound up paying what I had quoted up front, but with many change orders and mistakes, and delays.
All I could think was, Didn't these other guys know what they were getting into? Or do they just talk low, and then keep billing?
Oh Yeah, this was a toilet question.
http://www.toiletology.com/
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Dunbar Plumbing
Master Plumber
Yes indeed; a customer that calls numerous times to confirm an appointment or asks a ton of questions along the way usually "disappears", never to be heard again. The good thing is it slams the door on that customer from ever doing it twice, and we all know how we value time when on the phone. A big difference from internet information trading.
O.T.
Tank fills way too fast, the water rocks like a wave inside the tank and allows the water level to go beyond the water line and can force the toilet to partially flush. Different toilets have different reactions to fast fills.
The fill valves with the old type ball floats are the worst in issues regarding this problem. 400A isn't as bad but still happens, that's why you'll see sometimes the shutoff only open partially to slow down the speed. Doesn't solve the problem completely.
O.T.
Tank fills way too fast, the water rocks like a wave inside the tank and allows the water level to go beyond the water line and can force the toilet to partially flush. Different toilets have different reactions to fast fills.
The fill valves with the old type ball floats are the worst in issues regarding this problem. 400A isn't as bad but still happens, that's why you'll see sometimes the shutoff only open partially to slow down the speed. Doesn't solve the problem completely.
GrumpyPlumber
Licensed Grump
OK...let me start off with a different approach...
"RUGGED"...that quote you keep on your posts was sarcasm... it looked like the person asking about the stack was looking for hints on "how to".
I often kid around when I work...by saying things like "I need my tube cutter thingy" or "Where the heck did I put my measurer thingy".."Pipe tightener thingy"...etc. - It's a "me" phrase.
The first thing I noticed was the double Tee-wye...NO NO NO (especially not with a closet attached...as Terry pointed out... - humorous note...try it on a sewage ejector...HA!),
Then what appeared to be Johnny wax to seal a vertical joint (I think you missed that. but saw the caulking)....the list goes on.
My sarcasm was prolly a bit un-called for, but like you just stated...I've been burned by customers asking me details on how I would do the work...only to never call again or return my calls. ( My first lesson in self employment )
Cass...so far you seem 100% knowledgeable, I'd humble myself to ask you about something that were new to me...without hesitation.
I have yet to see a post or reply that I could debate...except one....FELIX?!?
He was the neat freak...I wish!
On the job I break my back at the end of the day to make sure the workplace is spotless, I stick around and chat with the customer to "read between the lines" if there is any problem or concern.
At home I'm hard pressed to get the socks in the hamper.
Trust me, I'm Oscar.
In the last year I've gotten two callbacks...one was a toilet I'd replaced that leaked because they had "another plumber" work on the cast iron stack below and the flange had shifted. (I didn't charge for the return visit)
The other was a legitimate slow leak on a copper fitting (only apprentices make the infamous claim "I never get leaks")
As an apprentice, years ago, a master plumber I worked under took a liking to me...gave me a world of very helpful advice.
One thing he told me once on a job where I wanted to give the GC a piece of my mind was interesting...something like this:
"There are two main types of people in this buz....the ones who smile at you, then take their complaints about you to someone else when your not around.
The other type...the ones who tell you what you don't want to hear right to your face, at the risk of angering you...they seem like jerks, but in reality they are the ones you want to have around."
I would up becoming a friend of that GC...worked several commercial jobs with him and every morning we'd rag eachother till somebody laughed...or asked us to shut up.
I still call my old friend, my old boss, on occasion..a gift it was to have worked for him.
Online is very difficult to interpet meanings...without hearing vocal inflection or tone, you kinda have to read between the lines...so, "RUGGED"...a plumber worth his weight might have seen the sarcasm...no?
"RUGGED"...that quote you keep on your posts was sarcasm... it looked like the person asking about the stack was looking for hints on "how to".
I often kid around when I work...by saying things like "I need my tube cutter thingy" or "Where the heck did I put my measurer thingy".."Pipe tightener thingy"...etc. - It's a "me" phrase.
The first thing I noticed was the double Tee-wye...NO NO NO (especially not with a closet attached...as Terry pointed out... - humorous note...try it on a sewage ejector...HA!),
Then what appeared to be Johnny wax to seal a vertical joint (I think you missed that. but saw the caulking)....the list goes on.
My sarcasm was prolly a bit un-called for, but like you just stated...I've been burned by customers asking me details on how I would do the work...only to never call again or return my calls. ( My first lesson in self employment )
Cass...so far you seem 100% knowledgeable, I'd humble myself to ask you about something that were new to me...without hesitation.
I have yet to see a post or reply that I could debate...except one....FELIX?!?
He was the neat freak...I wish!
On the job I break my back at the end of the day to make sure the workplace is spotless, I stick around and chat with the customer to "read between the lines" if there is any problem or concern.
At home I'm hard pressed to get the socks in the hamper.
Trust me, I'm Oscar.
In the last year I've gotten two callbacks...one was a toilet I'd replaced that leaked because they had "another plumber" work on the cast iron stack below and the flange had shifted. (I didn't charge for the return visit)
The other was a legitimate slow leak on a copper fitting (only apprentices make the infamous claim "I never get leaks")
As an apprentice, years ago, a master plumber I worked under took a liking to me...gave me a world of very helpful advice.
One thing he told me once on a job where I wanted to give the GC a piece of my mind was interesting...something like this:
"There are two main types of people in this buz....the ones who smile at you, then take their complaints about you to someone else when your not around.
The other type...the ones who tell you what you don't want to hear right to your face, at the risk of angering you...they seem like jerks, but in reality they are the ones you want to have around."
I would up becoming a friend of that GC...worked several commercial jobs with him and every morning we'd rag eachother till somebody laughed...or asked us to shut up.
I still call my old friend, my old boss, on occasion..a gift it was to have worked for him.
Online is very difficult to interpet meanings...without hearing vocal inflection or tone, you kinda have to read between the lines...so, "RUGGED"...a plumber worth his weight might have seen the sarcasm...no?
Dunbar Plumbing
Master Plumber
Good read
You posted that at your 3rd post. Now that you're up to 27 I see that there is candor to your statements so I'm catching on.
However, covering up cleanouts and removing OEM components off toilets can compromise the abilities of the property owner AND the plumber who has to maintain/repair/keep plumbing in good repair. Being as you are new, you seem likeable and straight up friendly. Just kinda startles those who take the profession in a serious context.
With your username with the word "plumber" in it, people put more stock into what you type. On another site we had a username "liquidplumber" that was tossing advice around that turned out detrimental and sometimes dangerous. The guy wasn't a plumber, he just played one on the internet. Kind of hard not to notice your statements as being a moderator you have to watch who says what and what can lead to general bad advice. Not my job here to discipline...this is only forum I don't moderate. Kinda place I like to take off my shoes and relax. Sometimes it's hard to stop what I have to do in so many other places.
Please give technical advice in relation to plumbing without chopping it up and making the rest of us look like fools. The bad always ruin it for the good and I'd like to say that my efforts aren't tossed out the window because I'm casually making open-ended statements to helping others.
And to answer your question, yes. I am a true ***** and a ******* when *** ******** ***** is *****.
I'll lose the signature.
You posted that at your 3rd post. Now that you're up to 27 I see that there is candor to your statements so I'm catching on.
However, covering up cleanouts and removing OEM components off toilets can compromise the abilities of the property owner AND the plumber who has to maintain/repair/keep plumbing in good repair. Being as you are new, you seem likeable and straight up friendly. Just kinda startles those who take the profession in a serious context.
With your username with the word "plumber" in it, people put more stock into what you type. On another site we had a username "liquidplumber" that was tossing advice around that turned out detrimental and sometimes dangerous. The guy wasn't a plumber, he just played one on the internet. Kind of hard not to notice your statements as being a moderator you have to watch who says what and what can lead to general bad advice. Not my job here to discipline...this is only forum I don't moderate. Kinda place I like to take off my shoes and relax. Sometimes it's hard to stop what I have to do in so many other places.
Please give technical advice in relation to plumbing without chopping it up and making the rest of us look like fools. The bad always ruin it for the good and I'd like to say that my efforts aren't tossed out the window because I'm casually making open-ended statements to helping others.
And to answer your question, yes. I am a true ***** and a ******* when *** ******** ***** is *****.
I'll lose the signature.
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GrumpyPlumber
Licensed Grump
According to the mrs...we have MUCH in common.RUGGED said:And to answer your question, yes. I am a true ***** and a ******* when *** ******** ***** is *****.
The "cleanout thingy" was blatent sarcasm...the fact that he was considering leaving it the way it was, means to me, that he was looking for a shortcut after getting bids from licensed guys.
I will make my comments less off color and try to differentiate serious from humor (yup...I'm dry...GRUMPY even), however...My license requires that I be responsible for work I perform...that I adhere to the principles of the code that allows safe and sanity plumbing & gas.
Nothing in that code requires I do it for free.
(Would be nice if some of the customers I have knew that before adding the..."Oh before you go, can you try to fix the..." AFTER they've written the check..at 9pm...aaarrggg)
I am delighted to inform homeowners of options, give them idea's, or offer alternatives and input on what they've been told, but openly detailing how to perform work that could create dangerous, unsanitary or toxic/explosive situations..well, aside from being illegal, it's not a generally good idea.
There is a line...I'll gladly tell you what I know about the latest fixtures, boilers, pipe/fittings...etc, but telling you how to install your own water heater...NOPE...won't do it.(CO poisoning/deaths in the news all the time)
I think we all know the story of the midwestern janitor for an elementary school that decided to install one himself in the cafeteria and altered the t&p so it would fit...kids died...he's doing life.
I take my trade seriously, I do.
My lil' story about the two kinds of people...I intended that for you...you shoot from the hip...I can respect that...as long as we know what that line is.
Now...I think I'm gonna start a new thread...for giggles...an idea that popped into my head a lil while ago.
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