It often starts with a whistle or gurgle. Sometimes, it's signaled by a suddenly bigger water bill that reveals a silent but wasteful leak. Usually, it's that sound that won't stop until you jiggle the handle. Ultimately, it means it's time to tackle that troublesome toilet. Toilet tank repairs are America's most common household plumbing project. But too many homeowners settle for a quick fix when they would benefit far more from a toilet "tune-up."
A toilet tune-up is simply an easy overhaul of a tank's vital components -- and a great use of time when the tank is already empty for even a single-part repair. It's a step beyond a minor repair, but the reward is years and years of quiet, efficient flushes.
Non professionals can perform a toilet tune-up by simply replacing the fill valve, flapper, tank/lever handle and water supply connector. It requires just over an hour of time and you'll find these four replacement parts in almost any hardware store or home center for a total cost of $20 or less.
Manufacturers like Fluidmaster, Inc. make it easy because all parts are easily installed, even by first timers and step-by-step instructions are carefully geared to assist the do-it-yourself customer. Before you begin any toilet repair, be sure to shut off the water supply.
By tuning up your toilet you can be sure to keep your tank problem-free for millions of flushes. An important reward when you consider that each member of a family of three flushes a toilet four times a day.(NAPSI)
