Gerber - Gravity Toilets

What can be done to eliminate the need for multiple flushes to completely evacuate the bowl?

1. Check the strap or chain of the flapper in the tank for excessive slack.Too much slack can cause the flapper to not completely open when tripped.This reduces amount of water used, resulting in an incomplete flush or the need for multiple flushes.
2. Check the water level in the tank. Every tank should have a water level indicator line stamped on the back wall of the tank or marked on the overflow tube. When the tank has completed its fill cycle, assure that the water level is at the stamped line.
3. If the flapper in the tank is soft rubber with a plastic insert (baffle) in the bottom, check the baffle to assure that the small hole in the insert is not obstructed.
4. Check the holes under the rim of the bowl for restrictions. Water mineral deposits may result in a rim hole restriction. Restricted rim holes can weaken the performance of the bowl, resulting in the need for multiple flushes. The rim holes can be scraped clean with a paper clip or a small nail.

Why are bubbles forming in the water during a flush cycle?

Bubbles in the flush cycle are the result of naturally entrapped air not being vented completely. Small bubbles are normal.
1. Check the condition of the holes under the rim of the bowl. During the flush cycle entrapped air is vented through the rim holes. Partially restricted rim holes may not allow the complete venting of the air. Use a paper clip or a small nail to check each rim hole to ensure that it is fully open.
2. Another contributing factor to bubbles is the bowl's water seal. Every bowl has a seal point. If the water in the bowl is below that point when it is flushed, a bubble may result. Check in the tank to make sure that the refill tube from incoming water fill valve is positioned correctly in the overflow tube of the flush valve. The water stream from the refill tube needs to be directed straight down into the overflow tube.

How can a leak located around the tank to bowl bolt be eliminated?

Water leaking out from one of the tank bolt holes in the bowl may be coming from multiple sources.
1. Check the condition of the rubber washers on the tank bolts inside the tank.
2. Check to make sure that the tank bolt nuts are installed correctly. On Gerber toilets, there should be four (4) nuts installed. The first two (2) nuts are used to secure the tank bolts to the bottom of the tank. The other two (2) are used to secure the tank to the bowl and are located on the underside of the rim of the bowl.
3. Check the condition of the thick rubber tank to bowl gasket. This is the gasket that encompasses the tank discharge hole and the large assembly nut. Gerber tank to bowl gaskets are thicker than what is commonly found in hardware or home improvement stores.
4. When removing a tank that has been installed for several years, it is recommended that the tank to bowl assembly parts be replaced. Be sure to use a genuine Gerber assembly kit (unit bag). This will include bolts, bolt washers, nuts and the tank to bowl gasket.

How can we stop the toilet from constantly running?

1. For a Fluidmaster fill valve, check the position of the refill tube in relation to the flush valve overflow tube. The refill tube should be clipped to the top of the overflow tube. If the refill tube is inserted down into the overflow tube, it can create a situation where water is siphoned out of the tank. This will cause the valve to open and fill the tank at intervals.
2. For all types of fill valves, check to see if water is running/leaking from the top (head) of the valve after the tank has filled and the valve is supposed to be closed.
3. Check the water level in the tank when the valve shuts off. The water level should be at the stamped water line in the tank or on the overflow tube. If the water level is set too high, water can run into the overflow tube, and keep the fill valve from shutting off completely.
4. Check flapper chain to ensure that there is enough slack for the flapper to seal completely around the flush valve body. If the chain is taut when the flapper is closed, release the chain and reconnect the chain to the tank lever arm, so there is a little slack when the flapper is closed.
5. Inspect the flapper to see if it is resting flat all the way around the flush valve body, or if it is warped in an area which is not allowing it to seal. Chemical additives to the tank water can cause the flapper material to warp or degrade and will void the warranty.

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