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Flipping Houses: Turning a Wreck into a Gem

About Me

Flipping Houses: Turning a Wreck into a Gem

Five years ago, I decided to start my own side business. Along with keeping my job as a construction worker, I decided to use my savings to purchase an older residence. The plan was to fix up the place and then sell it at a profit. It didn't take me long to figure out that while my side business would take up most of my free time, it would make me a lot of money. Today, I still flip three or four houses a year. My strategy developed through trial and error, and I've learned how to evaluate the potential of a property first, then buy second. I know what must be done in the way of exterior painting, making the place secure, and ultimately finding the right buyer. If you are thinking about trying this kind of sideline, read on. What I've learned will help you a lot.

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Solving the Problem of a Constantly Running Toilet: A Step-By-Step Guide

16 August 2023
 Categories: Business, Blog

A constantly running toilet is more than just an annoyance; it's also a waste of water and can increase your utility bills. Fortunately, the majority of running toilet problems are easy to fix with a few simple tools and a little bit of know-how. This blog post will walk you through the steps necessary to diagnose and repair a constantly running toilet.

Issue 1: Problem with the Flapper

If water is leaking from the tank to the bowl, the flapper might be at fault. To check this:

  • Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank water and wait for a few minutes without flushing.
  • If the color seeps into the bowl, you have a leak. It's likely that the flapper isn't sealing properly.

To fix this, first turn off the water supply valve, usually located on the wall behind the toilet. Then, remove the old flapper (typically attached with a clip to the overflow tube). Take it to your local hardware store to find a matching replacement. Install the new flapper, reconnect everything, and turn the water supply back on.

Issue 2: Faulty Fill Valve

If the fill valve is faulty, water will continue to flow into the overflow tube, causing the toilet to run constantly.

To fix the fill valve, follow these steps:

  • Start by turning off the water supply and flushing the toilet to empty the tank.
  • Underneath the tank, disconnect the water supply line from the fill valve.
  • Remove the old fill valve, which is typically secured in place by a nut.
  • Install the new fill valve, carefully following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
  • Reconnect the water supply line, turn the water back on, and adjust the fill valve as needed to ensure the water stops filling at the correct level.

By following these instructions, you'll be able to successfully replace the fill valve while maintaining the optimal functionality of your toilet.

Issue 3: Incorrect Float Height

If the float is set too high, water will flow into the overflow tube, and the fill valve won't shut off.

To adjust the float:

  • For a ball float, bend the arm gently until it reaches the correct height (usually marked on the overflow tube or tank).
  • For a float cup, pinch the clip and slide it up or down the fill valve rod.

In conclusion, while a constantly running toilet may seem like a significant issue, it's often a simple fix. Always remember to start with the most straightforward solution before moving on to more complex repairs. Contact plumbing services near you to learn more.