The innovative Sloan Flushmate toilet systems offer improved flushing performance with low water consumption. These innovative toilets are simple to maintain, provide maximum efficiency and are reliable.
Sloan Flushmate leaking water in tank is most commonly due to water pressure malfunctioning. The water inlet valve can also cause leaking water in the tank. What can you do if your Sloan Flushmate has a leak? Read more to find out what solutions are available to you.
How to Detect the Problem
How do you know when your Sloan Flushmate is leaking water in the tank? When a leak develops, you’ll start to notice a change after flushing. Immediately after you flush, the tank begins to refill.
When there is a leak present, the toilet valve starts to trickle water into the tank. This is not normal and causes an overflow that you’ll notice in the toilet bowl.
The Most Common Explanations
The main cause of your Sloan Flushmate leaking water into the tank is low or insufficient water pressure. Another reason is a flow that goes into the flush system. Sloan designed the toilet to receive water flow with a static pressure that measures 20-125 PSI. This applies to most of their toilet models.
There are many reasons why your Flushmate is leaking water into the tank. After each flush cycle, the water is supposed to shut off once the tank is filled. When there is a problem, the water remains running. This is what causes the leak and overflow.
Other issues may manifest as an absent or weak flush. We have all probably experienced those times when the toilet flushes but not all the way. It leaves behind a significant amount of waste in the bowl. You flush again and hope for it to clear.
In addition to these explanations, another cause could be the vacuum breaker (https://www.contractormag.com/codes/article/20881197/vacuum-breakers-understanding-how-they-protect-our-water). This is the attachment located on the flush valve. This piece prevents water from being drained in reverse. It would tragically flow into the water system that houses public drinking water.
When the pressure of the public drinking water system (https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/information-about-public-water-systems) decreases, the vacuum breaker prevents contamination. You can see how important it is to maintain your toilet in working order. It not only protects your family but also the whole community.
The diagnosis and repair of all of these possible causes are DIY projects that you can easily figure out. Homeowners nowadays have the support of a vast online community that serves as guidance.
How to Diagnose Your Sloan Flushmate Toilet
The very first step when experiencing a leak is to detect the root cause. Most leaks are slow and steady. Here are some simple steps you can follow to properly diagnose your toilet:
#1: Check the Water Supply Valve
Begin your diagnosis by checking to see if the water supply valve is open. The valve should be located behind the toilet close to the wall. Close it and then open it again in the full-flow position.
Sometimes the valves can be clogged with debris. When the valve is not open all the way, it causes a restricted water flow. This condition causes the toilet to malfunction. Once you have closed and reopened the water supply valve all the way, do a test flush.
Observe for malfunctions such as a persistent leak or issues flushing.
#2: Turn Off the Water and Flush
If after you follow step one, the problem is still present, turn off the water. Be sure the water supply valve is in the closed position. Then, do a test flush to take some pressure off the Flushmate toilet system.
#3: Inspect the Filter Screen of the Water Inlet
Start by turning off the water supply to your Flushmate toilet system. This will help de-pressurize the toilet and tank. Then, take off the water supply line away from the water inlet. The piece is located in the toilet tank.
Inside the supply shank, you should be able to spot the inlet screen. Remove the screen and inspect it carefully. Be sure there’s nothing that is restricting or blocking the flow of water.
The inlet screen should continually be inspected to make sure it is free from anything that can block the flow of water. Regularly clean the inlet screen before placing it back into the water supply tank.
#4: Test Your Flushmate Toilet System After Turning on the Water
At this point, you’ll be ready to test your Flushmate system. First, turn the water back on and allow the tank to refill. Then, you will notice that the system has pressurized once again.
Flush the toilet and look for any possible leaks that may still be happening. Hopefully, the leak has resolved and you can simply replace the tank’s lid. If you still detect a leak, you will have to continue investigating to find another cause.
#5: Inspect the Toilet’s Air Inducer
To check the air inducer, turn off the water supply valve. Flush the toilet to empty the tank and release the Flushmate system’s pressure. Remove the lid from the toilet tank. Find the air inducer cap located on the top of the tank structure.
#6: Service the Duckbill Valve
The duckbill valve has a unique function. It is a one-piece assembly designed to prevent backflow from happening. It also allows the forward flow to continue running smoothly. The piece has elastomeric components that function to avoid backflow similar to check valves.
You may also think of this piece’s function as a one-way valve. This valve has elastomeric lips that are designed in the shape of a duckbill. It is located within the air inducer cap.
Once you locate the duckbill valve, you can carefully remove it without force. Fully check the piece for any deformities, cracks, or other damage. Additionally, you’ll want to remove any buildup of debris inside the valve. If it is clogged in any way, it will not allow it to function well.
Clean the duckbill valve and put it back into place. Be sure it is exactly at the same position within the air inducer cap.
#7: Test the System Once Again
After cleaning and inspecting the duckbill valve for damage, test the system again. Turn on the water supply valve, refill the tank, repressurize the system, and do a test flush. If this resolves the leak, cover the tank with the lid and you’re done!
#8: Examine the Flush Valve Cartridge
If the leak persists, you may be dealing with a defective flush valve cartridge. Inspect the flush valve operation. Do this after you determine that the water flow and water supply static pressure function well.
Finally, Cross your fingers and hope the leak resolves after this step!
My Troubleshooting Did Not Work
Troubleshooting the Sloan Flushmate toilet system should be simple. However, if you followed all the steps above and still have a leak in the tank, it is time to call a professional.
Sloan has a dedicated team of specialists ready to help. You may also contact a licensed plumber that specializes in Sloan toilet systems.
The great news is that there’s a high probability that you’ll be able to resolve the issue on your own. The Sloan Flushmate toilet system is a high-quality choice for your bathroom. You should be able to enjoy it without issues for many years to come!
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