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Shutoff Valve problem?

3K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  Carollee 
#1 ·
I tried to turn my water down (to conserve) Friday. Woke up Sat. and no water in tank or bowl...now the toilet is not filling with water. I know nothing about plumbing..why, how or what...but do know that water should be filling the tank. Shut off valve is open (completely turned to the left?) and I can hear water but nothing.
Any advice?
Carollee
 
#2 ·
Turn the valve off. Disconnect the supply tube at the valve. Hold a rag over the opening and turn the valve on. This will tell you if the problem is the valve or the fill-valve in the toilet. A new Fluidmaster 400A fill-valve is less than $10 at Home Centers and hardware stores. Comes with really easy installation instructions. Toilets only use water when flushed, so turning the valve "down" did nothing but cause the problem.
 
#3 ·
Hello mafakdragon, thank you so much for your reply. Thank you for including your last sentence--that clears up my question why water keeps running in my bowl--I guess that's what it is supposed to do-good to know. As I mentioned I know nothing about plumbing but must become my own 'handyman' and I am willing to learn. I am apprehensive though of disconnecting anything I am not sure of --- is the 'supply tube' the flexible tube that runs from the shutoff valve to the toilet tank? If I turn the valve back on, won't the water spray freely, everywhere?
I appreciate your response.
Carollee
 
#6 ·
Stepping back on your question, what do you mean that the water was running out of the bowl? Inside the tank, you will see the fill-valve. This is where the replacment water enters the tank. You should also see a plastic tube sticking up near the center of the tank. This is the overflow tube. If the fill-valve is not set correctly (to shut off) , water will continue to run after flushing and exit through this tube. This would need an adjustment on the fill valve. At the bottom of the tube is a large rubber piece called the flapper. If you push the flush handle, you will see the flapper raise up, allowing the tank water to flow to the bowl. Sometimes they go bad and need replaced (simple job) or you can clean the sealing surfaces with a rag. Sometimes, deposits collect there and prevent the flapper from sealing completely. Also make sure the chain/strap that raises the flapper is not hanging up and preventing the flapper from dropping down and sealing. As far as disconnecting the supply tubing at the supply valve, this is why I said to hold a rag over the valve when turning on. You only need a quick on/off to know if water is flowing through the valve.
 
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