I recently installed a new Fluidmaster fill valve in a fairly old tank. There is a small leak around the supply inlet. I have tried to seat the mounting nuts and gasket carefully, centering them on the inlet in the porcelain tank, but the leak persists.
I am wondering whather I can get a good seal against the porcelain on the inside of the tank, whcih is fairly rough. I can’t see any fine cracks or other defects in the tank itself…
Would plumbers putty or caulk be useful?
Am I missing something?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Glaucon
If you don’t think too good, then don’t think too much…
Replies
clean the porcelin with a scrubby pad...
make sure the gasket isn't upside down...
double washer the stem... use coneish shaped washers inside and out...
hand tighten the nut further... in 1/8 to 1/4 turn increments..
did you put the stem gasket to inside or outside of the tank..
skip the caulk or putty...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Edited 5/20/2006 2:34 pm by IMERC
Thanks for your reply.I followed the diagram that came with the instructions (perhaps my first mistake?).The stem is (according to the diagram) mounted with a flat rubber shank washer on the inside, a plastic lock nut is tightened from the outside. There is no washer or gasket seen (or supplied) for the lock nut (so no washer outside the tank).The only cone washer supplied is small and to be used if the supply line is flared cupper tubing- mine is not, it's a vinyl braided connector.From what you posted earlier, it sounds like I should head back to the hardware store and buy some cone shaped rubber shank washers for both sides of the fitting.Any other suggestions?Thanks,
Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
I gave ya variety to pick from... pick one it may work...
the stem may be cracked and opens when ya tighten the nut...
get another unit and start all over again...
BTW check / look really close to see if its the supply line that's leaking... may not be the valve...
if you used yur old one that may be the problem..Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Rectorseal Pipe Thread Compound or PTV thread sealant!
Coat the inside edge of the tank and facing side of the rubber washer, tighten till it's no longer leaking. If there's a crack in the plastic bits then you're going to have to replace them but otherwise your problem is over. If you can, try to get a washer between the tank and nylon nut before tightening as this helps prevent dislocation of the stem before it's completly tight.
Thanks for your help- I'll give it a try,GlauconIf you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
Edited 5/22/2006 1:24 pm ET by Glaucon