Although the exterior design of the bathrooms vary, the vast majority of the bathrooms have a fairly basic tank design. When the handle of the toilet is depressed, a chain attached to a ball at the bottom of the toilet tank rises and allows the water inside the tank to enter the toilet bowl. As the water refills the tank, the level is controlled by a float valve, which then converts the water to the specified level. The vast majority of tank problems can be traced back to one or more of these components, and usually the problem can be solved only with a small adjustment.
Gerber Plumbing 21-372 Gerber Ultra Flush Watersense Elongated Toilet Bowl Only, White
Adjustment of the elevator or chain cable
The bathrooms have either a chain or a cable that connects the handle to the rubber ball or the flap located on the bottom of the tank. If the toilet does not discharge or will not completely eliminate, probably the chain has stretched or the cable has to be straightened. The chain length is adjusted by replacing the chain with one of a different length. Change the chain with one that allows approximately 1/2 inch of slack. Unhook each end of the old chain from the rubber or hinge ball and link the handle to remove it, then connect the ends of the new chain to the components. If the toilet has a wire instead of a chain, straighten the wire by bending it.
Handle adjustment
If the handle of the toilet is difficult to push or sticks when depressed, the handle probably needs to be cleaned and adjusted. Note that a nut secures the back of the handle to the inside of the tank. Turn the nut clockwise with a wrench to remove it. Do not turn the nut in the opposite direction, as the threads are reversed. Rub the nut and the back of the handle with a brush soaked in vinegar to remove any build-up of lime. Turn the nut counterclockwise on the back of the handle to tighten the nut on the handle. Tighten the nut only until the nut is tight, or else the handle will be difficult to depress.
Adjusting the water level in the tank
If the toilet runs continuously, it is very likely that the water level inside the tank needs to be lifted. The water level is determined by the rubber ball or float inside the tank called a "float valve." Most ballcocks are suspended inside the tank by means of a metal arm. Bend the arm to lift the float valve. Other float designs have a metal rod attached to the side of the float valve with a clip. Slide the clip up along the length of the bar to adjust the height of the float valve. Finally, some bathrooms have a float valve without a float mounted on the bottom of the tank. Note that a single screw is located on the back of the float valve. This screw adjusts the water level. Turn the screw clockwise, 1/2 turn at a time, with a screwdriver to raise the water level.
Adjustment of the discharge valve ball
The discharge valve is the opening in the bottom of the tank that tank water flows through when the toilet handle is stepped on. Pressing the handle causes a rubber ball on the bottom of the cable or the lifting chain to rise out of the discharge valve and allow water to drain out of the tank. If the tank is run continuously after adjusting the water level, this ball may need to be adjusted, as it is likely not to seal against the discharge valve. Note that the ball is suspended by a metal guide arm on the discharge valve. The guide arm has a single adjustment screw. Loosen the screw with a screwdriver and move the guide arm until the balloon is placed directly on the discharge valve and the bottom of the ball rests inside the opening of the relief valve, then tighten the arm screw guide.