How old would a rigid copper toilet connector be?

[y_p_w]

I was alerted to a “leaky toilet” at a rental property. It’s an old, old toilet that I haven’t moved before. So I got the most basic American Standard toilet at HD, schlepped it into the trunk, and asked the tenant what he wanted. He said he wanted it done quickly so I figure how hard could it be?

Not easy.

The old toilet was probably older than me but had been repaired with parts over the years. Probably around 5 gallons per flush, so a new 1.28 gpf was probably a good idea. Couldn’t really take off the tank because the bolts were corroded/stripped so I ended up carting away the tank attached to the bowl, which was also dropped and busted up. But the other thing I didn’t think of was that it had a rigid copper connector. Also the pipe extended from the wall and I think had several sweated connections to a 1/2” F.I.P. outlet. Went to HD again where they had only Brasscraft and not the Fluidmaster QuikSeal I prefer. And the shortest was 16” when 9” was probably enough. Didn’t have enough time to order from Amazon or HD for the Fluidmaster. But yeah I guess there was probably a lot less DIY plumbing work back then.

So the toilet is nice. Maybe not an ideal installation. It’s got a Korky QuietFill fill valve that’s American Standard branded, as in nothing saying a Korky, with a really odd looking shank. Also an American Standard branded rigid 3” flapper. Finally got it all in there, where the box came with a wax ring and everything. Looks good and I’m feeling pretty good about myself when I see water coming out of the bowl. And then some. And onto the floor. I could tell someone upstairs was taking a shower.

So it wasn’t the toilet that was causing the problem but I’m guessing a clogged drain where it’s just the toilet bowl as the relief valve. Managed to call a plumber who can be there the next day. I’m thinking possibly roots blocking the main sewer lateral.

 

[CarLuver]

if yo have a few properties and don't mind getting your hands dirty , buy a electric snake . it will pay for itself the first time you use it .

 

[Lubener]

I’m thinking possibly roots blocking the main sewer lateral.

Probably correct or a clay tile that collapsed. Either power snake it yourself or have a plumber do it. If it is roots, add copper sulphate down the toilet once in a while.

 

[The_Jeff]

If you're toilet shopping at HD, they have a store brand that claims to flush seven billiard balls. It is marvelous and a cut above, and only about $160.

 

[Geekhead]

If you're toilet shopping at HD, they have a store brand that claims to flush seven billiard balls. It is marvelous and a cut above, and only about $160.

If they claim 7 logs as in real life....

 

[alarmguy]

Installed one of these in our last home about 5 years ago. Liked the way it flushed I was planning on installing two more but then we moved. Price is a steal but best part is for that price it outperforms many brands costing much more. I saw it in tests but a family member had a plumber replace their toilet and that is what he installed and where I got the idea. I mean $100 and looks like any other toilet.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Project-So...-12-in-Rough-In-Size-ADA-Compliant/5006032715

 

[y_p_w]

I can't find any easy linkable photos, but there's discussion of this very same toilet I got in this discussion (quick edit - I see it actually shows the first photo):



But the deal is that the shank seems to be non-adjustable and custom made for AS by Lavelle. There might be some level adjustment at the top. Not sure about the flapper, but it's hard plastic with a silicone seal. Not quite as complicated as a Fluidmaster 540A, but still pretty decent. I think a 540A would probably drop right in although it might require fiddling with the settings.

I know some like cheaper options. HD had a few that had the name brand flush valves. Fill valve replacement is pretty easy with lots of choices as long as it's not low-profile. And it comes with a slow close toilet which some hate because the mechanism might break. But the toilet seat itself is maybe $35. An included wax ring was nice so I didn't need one more thing.

 

[y_p_w]

So a plumber came over. Tried going through a cleanout in the bathroom first but didn't have any luck. Then removed the toilet that I just installed and went through there and it's all good now. Not cheap though.

Not sure what caused the clog but the plumber doesn't think it's tree roots since little bits didn't come out. And it's probably not clogged upstairs since there was water coming down then backing up.

 

[Nukeman7]

If you're toilet shopping at HD, they have a store brand that claims to flush seven billiard balls. It is marvelous and a cut above, and only about $160.

Not sure what caused the clog but the plumber doesn't think it's tree roots since little bits didn't come out. And it's probably not clogged upstairs since there was water coming down then backing up.

Did the plumber retrieve any billiard balls? Maybe your tenant tried to flush 8 balls? LOL