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Author:
Kent (AZ)
Hi:
I have problems with a leaking toilet. I replaced the flapper with a cheap brand from Walmart but it still leaked so I bought a better one (Korky) from Home Depot. It still leaked. I cleaned the seat with steel wool and it seems fine but because it was still leaking I tried a new seat and a 3rd flapper using this:
and it still leaks.
What I have noticed is that it doesn’t leak if the flapper falls directly on the hole. However, after a few flushes the flapper lands slightly off center and this is when it leaks. I have tried many different lengths on the chain.
I am also wondering if perhaps I need a specific flapper for my toilet. I believe it is an American Standard 4049 C71. This is what is on the lid. Inside the bowl it has a date of Dec 1988 and the letters SASK 46.
What should I try next? A different brand of flapper?
Thanks for any help. This is driving me crazy. Kent
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
Wheelchair (IL)
Is your toilet a "VENT AWAY" or "LESS VENTAWAY"
4049 was one of Am Stand special toilets that
required OEM replacement parts. I think yours
was one of them.
Best Wishes
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Author:
Kent (AZ)
Thanks for the idea. If true, it sounds like I may have to buy a new toilet if I really want to fix this. I have researched a little to find out what the vent away toilet is. I really don't know if this is what I have. I found this [www.inspectionsbybob.com]
I don't know if mine looks like the picture with that extra hole because I haven't removed the tank to be sure. How do I know if this is what I have.
I also had a different problem with the toilet where it would not flush properly and I found the holes under the rim were clogged. I used CLR and a coat hanger to remove at least some of the clog. It flushes better now but there is still an air bubble at the bottom of the bowl every time it flushes. Is this the Vent Away working?
Thanks again for your help.
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Author:
Wheelchair (IL)
History will be the best judge on Am Stad's Vent-Away System and if it truly worked. Many of the parts and assembly are still available thru TAPCO-div of Elias Industries-PA which purchased the rights to the old Am Stad Co.
I don't remember two piece toilets having the Vent-Away System, just the one piece Roma (2009.017 & 2009.026)
Today's toilets have been engineered and continued to be further engineered to use much lesser amounts of water per flush.
Wishing you well in your plumbing endeavors.
Best Wishes
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Author:
m & m (MD)
If you are able to install an off-the-shelf flapper, I don't think you have an Am.Std. vent-away toilet. If you look at the photo you posted, the vent-away has a special flush valve mechanism with a special hinge, ballast, flush disc, etc. Your post seems to suggest that you are installing a standard vinyl flapper with the two side arms which attach to the ears on the flush valve. My guess is that you have the 4049 Cadet or Plebe 3.5 gpf which in 1988 used a standard flapper. There is nothing special about the flush valve or flapper. Are the ears broken off the side of the flush valve? How are you attaching the flapper to the valve? Photos would help.
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Author:
Kent (AZ)
Thanks m & m. Yes I think you are correct. The toilet is pretty standard from what I have seen. I have installed a regular run of the mill flapper (though it is a good quality one) and the flapper has the 2 side arms and the ears on the flush valve are fine. I have even tried putting some elastic bands around the ears to see if I could keep the flapper from moving to the side. That didn't work.
It is quite consistent though. If the flapper is centered there is no leak. After a few flushes the flapper has moved and you can hear it leaking. If I move the flapper to center it, then the leak stops. I have been doing a lot of reading and haven't heard of one other person having such a problem. It seems very strange to me. I hope I can think of another way to keep the flapper centered. I wonder if the flush arm was bent or extended in the other direction, if that would do it. I attached the flapper just as I have seen online and in books so I don't believe there is a problem there.
What is also strange is that inside the tank it says 1988 but I seem to remember reading somewhere that the 4049 C71 (printed under the lid) is from 1971. The house was built in 72 I believe so that makes sense but why would the tank be different from the lid unless someone decided to keep the old lid.
Thanks again for the help.
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Author:
m & m (MD)
What is the relationship of the flush lever to the flapper? If there is too much offset, then the lever may actually be pulling the flapper off-center. Sometimes the lever can be bent to set over top, or nearly, of the flapper. If that is not the case, I would try other brand flappers. Is there a plumbing supply house locally that you could pick up the one favored by the plumbers who buy there?
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Author:
Kent (AZ)
Thanks again for the suggestions. Yes the flush lever is just slightly offset. It is not much but it may be enough to pull it off center. The flush lever I have is plastic so I can't bend it but replacing it is an option as is trying different flappers as you suggest.
I have tried the rubber bands again and so far that seems to be working. I put one rubber band on each ear of the overflow tube so that the flapper can't move as much. This may work. I thought I could even put some rubber washers on it but the rubber bands may work. I will continue to watch it. Thanks!!!
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