Fix a Toilet Tank: Loose Handle, Discolored Water, and High Water Level.

It Is important to maintain the things we use every day. We often (or should often) clean and repair our toilets regularly but it is easy to forget about the tank. When we do forget about the tank, a number of things can fall into disrepair. This instructable covers 3 repairs we can make to our toilet tank that will keep things running and flushing smoothly, specifically:

1. A loose handle or flusher
2. Discolored water
3. Too high or low water levels

For this toilet tune-up, you will need:

• Basin for water (cup, bowl, or bucket)
• gloves
• 3 cups of white vinegar
• Philips screwdriver
• Old sponge
• positive attitude (at least for about 45 minutes)

One of my toilets has a handle that loosens over time and the handle gets wobbly. It can get so loose that it becomes unflushable. If this has happened to your toilet, the problem is probably in the tank.

First, find the water shut-off valve on the wall next to your toilet (pictured) and turn the valve off. Then, flush the toilet to empty the water out of the tank. If you are only completing this step, then it is up to you whether you empty the tank or not. It is a bit easier but not necessary.

Now, you can locate the flange that screws onto the inside of the flusher. This will be a plastic ring (or some other shape) that is threaded on the inside. In my case, the ring has loosened so much that it has come off and slid down the tank lever, down the chain, and is resting on the flapper (pictured). Now all you've got to do is slide the flange back up (pictured) and screw it on until you can't tighten it more with your hand. If the ring is cracked or damaged, you may have to replace it but in most cases, it has just loosened over time and fallen off.

It can be a surprise to open a tank lid and find brown water inside. Discoloration can happen because of rust or hard water/sediment buildup. In my case, I live on well water. A water filter helps to keep sediment out, but over time, it is common to find sediment buildup inside my tank. If your tank looks dirty, clean it out by following these steps:

1. Turn the water to your toilet off and empty the tank (explained in step 1 above). Use a sponge to soak up the last half-inch of water at the bottom, This will help to get that sediment out as well. If you want to be very thorough here, you could use a shop vac to suck out everything but the sponge worked just fine for me.
2. Fill your tank just past the fill line with warm water. I just used a big cup (pictured). Add 3 cups of vinegar and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Flush to drain the water out again, spray down the tank and parts with an all-purpose cleaner. Lightly scrub down everything and try to get all the sediment out. You may need to splash some more water in the tank to do this effectively.
4. Dirty work done! Now just turn the water back on to your toilet and let her fill up.

You may feel like your tank or bowl is filling too much or too little. For me, I felt like we could save some water and wanted the tank to fill a little bit less each time I flush. If you want to adjust the water level:

Get a Philips screwdriver and find the float or water adjustment rod (pictured). You should see a clear spot that fits a screwdriver. turn your screwdriver clockwise to raise the water level in both your tank and bowls. Turn it counterclockwise to lower the float which will lower the water level.

You did it! The final picture shows the tank with a tightened handle, clear tank water, and a lowered water level! Now go get yourself a sandwich! But wash your hands first.

Happy flushing.