The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Plumbing Repairs And Utilities

Examine check valves occasionally for proper functioning. Those with metallic disk may require regrinding, and others may require replacement of leather-faced disks.

(7) Flush tanks. Inspect flush tanks for proper operation ; check the following parts :

(a) Floats. Adjust float operation for minimum use of water to flush water closet. Repair or replace damaged floats.
(b) Intake valves. Repair intake valves if necessary to provide tight closure. Make sure seat washer on bottom of plunger is not worn and seat is not irregular. Release plunger by removing thumbscrews, then remove ring and nut holding the washer. If necessary, install a new steel, brass, or nonmetallic ring. Inspect valve seat and smooth it off to provide proper seating.
(c) Outlet valve. Examine and clean rubber ball and outlet valve. If ball does not fit tightly over outlet pipe, check for defective ball, irregular seat, or bent lift wires. Repair or replace these parts if necessary.

(8) Flush valves. To conserve water, adjust flush valves for the minimum water flow that operates the fixture satisfactorily. Regulate flow by raising or lowering stem at top which controls valve opening. Flush valves are of two types: piston valves containing a plunger within a sleeve, operated by a lever; and rubber diaphragm valves which operate the seat through a lever. When flush valves stop working or require servicing, check for the following:

(a) A clogged bypass or tube preventing water from passing into upper chamber and keeping valve closed. Clean bypass by pushing a fine wire through opening.
(b) Sediment on valve seat, or a worn seat, permitting valve to run indefinitely. Clean seat by removing valve cap, diaphragm, and valve stem. Examine seat for damage and smooth it if necessary. Install a new stem washer and disk ring if necessary. When replacing diaphragm, insert it with cup down. Check correct position, fasten diaphragm with screws through the top disk, and then replace cap.

20. Tests

Ordinarily test new water piping only with the water pressure available in the system. However, if extensive piping work has been added, 25 or 50 pounds of additional pressure from a force pump may be desirable. If a force pump is used, it should have a pressure gauge. Do not apply excessive pressure if old piping has been connected to new work, as it may open weak points in the old piping.