How to Repair a Broken Overflow Tube in a Gerber Toilet Tank
Gerber has produced a number of toilet models over the past 50 years. But no matter the style of the Gerber toilet, they all work in much the same fashion: when you flush the toilet, water moves from a tank and into the bowl, carrying away the sewage. A device inside the tank called the overflow tube allows water inside to be carried away if it rises above a certain level. Repair a broken overflow tube in a Gerber toilet tank at your earliest opportunity. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Turn off the water supply for the toilet. Look behind the toilet to locate the water supply valve. It is round or oblong in shape and connected to the tank by the water supply line. Rotate the knob clockwise to turn off the water.
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2
Flush the tank and allow the water inside to run out. You may have to do this twice. Wipe up any excess with a rag and sponge.
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3
Remove the overflow tube from the tank. First unclip the overflow hose from the top of the tube. Twist the overflow tube counterclockwise. Pull up to remove.
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4
Examine the tube. If it is cracked along the side, wrap the tube with waterproof tape enough to cover the crack.
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5
Replace the overflow tube by screwing it back into the bottom of the tank. Clip the overflow hose back to the top of the tube.
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6
Mix a solution of one part muratic acid to 10 parts water. Be very careful with the acid because it is corrosive; wear gloves when handling it. Open the window in the bathroom and turn on the extractor fan. Carefully pour the muratic acid mixture down the overflow tube. You should hear fizzing as it begins to break down the calcium deposits inside. Allow this solution to sit for about 10 minutes. Follow with fresh water to flush it out.
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Tips & Warnings
The procedure in step 4 is, at best, a temporary fix. The overflow tube should be replaced as soon as possible.
Use extreme caution when handling the muratic acid. Do not use this solution on Gerber toilets connected to septic systems, as the muratic acid will kill the beneficial bacteria in the septic tank.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit toy toilet image by Wayne Abraham from Fotolia.com
