How To Adjust Toilet Float: Complete Guide

Photo Source: PlumbersStock.com

 

A toilet float is a buoyant object that is used to regulate the water level in a toilet tank. The float rises or falls with the water level and activates or deactivates the fill valve accordingly. A properly functioning toilet float is essential to the proper operation of your toilet.

The toilet float is a mechanism inside the toilet tank that helps regulate the water level. It is also responsible for shutting off the water flow when the tank is full. Because the float moves up and down as the water level changes, it can sometimes become out of adjustment. This can cause problems with the toilet not flushing properly or, in some cases, overflowing.

If your toilet is not flushing properly or is overflowing, it is likely that the float needs to be adjusted. In most cases, this is a simple process that can be done without the need for a plumber. This guide will show you how to adjust the toilet float in both types of toilets – those with a ball float and those with a cylinder float.

Types Of Toilet Float

Photo Source : TheSpruce.com

 

There are three types of toilet floats: the ball float, the cup float, and the diaphragm float. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

Ball Float

The ball float is the most common type of toilet float. It consists of a ball that sits on top of the water in the tank. When the water level rises, the ball float rises with it and activates the flush valve.

The advantage of the ball float is that it’s very simple and easy to adjust. The disadvantage is that it can become stuck in the open position if the water level gets too high.

Cup Float

The cup float is the most common type of float. It consists of a plastic or brass cup that fills with water and floats on top of the water in the tank. The cup is attached to a rod that goes through a hole in the side of the tank and is connected to the fill valve.

The advantage of a cup float is that it is very adjustable. You can raise or lower the float by simply turning the adjusting screw on the rod.

Diaphragm Float

The float ball is connected to the fill valve by a long metal or plastic arm. The ball float rises as the water level in the tank rises and falls as the water level lowers. When the ball float reaches a certain height, it shuts off the fill valve to prevent overflow.

The float ball can become positioned so that it no longer floats properly. Often this occurs when the ball float is too low in the tank. Adjusting the ball float will raise or lower the water level in the tank, which can solve many common toilet problems.

How To Adjust A Toilet Float

Photo Source : HGTV.COM

Adjusting a toilet float is a simple process that can be done in a few minutes. The first thing you need to do is identify the type of float you have. Once you’ve done that, you can follow the instructions below to adjust it.

Ball Float

  1. Locate the ball float. It will be sitting on top of the water in the tank.
  2. Use a screwdriver to adjust the screws that hold the ball float in place.
  3. Turn the screws clockwise to lower the ball float and counterclockwise to raise it.
  4. Flush the toilet and check the water level. Adjust the float as needed until you’ve achieved the desired level.

Cup Float

  1. Locate the screw on the back of the float cup.
  2. Loosen the screw with a flathead screwdriver until it is loose enough to turn by hand.
  3. Turn the screw clockwise to lower the float and counterclockwise to raise it.
  4. Test the flush handle to see if the water level has changed. If it has not, continue turning the screw until it does.
  5. Tighten the screw with the flathead screwdriver when you have found the perfect water level.

Ball Float

  1. Locate the fill valve nut on the underside of the tank. This is a large, round nut that is usually black or white.
  2. Place a rag over the nut to avoid getting your hands wet.
  3. Use a wrench to unscrew the nut until it is loose enough to turn by hand.
  4. Find the adjustment rod running from the float ball down to the fill valve nut.
  5. Turn the adjustment rod clockwise to lower the float and counterclockwise to raise it.
  6. Test the flush handle to see if the water level has changed. If it has not, continue turning the adjustment rod until it does.
  7. Screw the fill valve nut back on when you have found the perfect water level.
  8. Flush the toilet to test it out.

Final Thoughts

Photo Source : LivingProofMag.com

There you have it! We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of how to properly adjust your toilet float. With a little bit of patience and some practice, you’ll be a pro in no time!

 

 

Leave a Comment