tricks to replace joker valve

[Syversens]

Hey all, I'm working on plumbing my head and next step is replacing the joker valve... its about 2 years since last and the head is filling up with backflow from the hose... there is no pressure in the tank and I put a vent in the intake so its not from that side.

Are there a specific procedure to replacing it? I read many done it but I'm thinking if there is a valve to use caution replacing its that one any tips be appreciated!

Gaute

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

It couldn't be easier!

Pump the toilet at least a dozen times in the dry mode to remove all the water from the pump and plumbing.

Remove the discharge fitting from the pump housing, which only requires removing a couple of screws. Remove the joker valve.

Insert the new one, making sure the "lips" arevertical. (|)...not (---).

Re-attach the discharge fitting.

You're done.

The flange on the joker valve is also the gasket that seals the discharge fitting..so when you put the screws back, you obviously want to tighten 'em enough to get a good seal, but be careful not to OVER-tighten 'em.. 'Cuz that can crack a cheap toilet's pump housing...and on ANY toilet can cause the gasket to pucker and leak.

Before you start, you might want to put a flat disposable foil pan or a plastic bag under the fitting to catch any drips.

And btw...joker valves should be replaced every couple of years, but pumping long enough in the dry mode to move the bowl contents to the tank is the RIGHT cure for runback. There's been quite a bit of conversation on this topic...you might want to search the archives for "joker valve."

 

[Mike B]

Gaute, the only thing I'd add to Peggy's comments are that I flush a couple of gallons of fresh water through, then pump until it's all in the tank. That way whatever water does come out when you open the fitting is not so funky. Placing an old towel on the floor in front of the toilet will catch most of the water. IT makes cleaning up when done a lot easier. And finally the joker valves on the toilet they installed in the 361 have triangular lips so the alignment isn't critical. Oh and when you tighten the screws back up, alternate between the two until both are tight. She's right on the money about cracking the fitting. Something that happens easily if you try to tighten one side all the way then the other. Ask me how I know
Mike

 

[walmsleyc]

Just a question about the alignment of the valve (if it is of the single lip variety). What is the rational for vertical? Having not really thought about this before, I might have thought that having it horizontal would prevent any small amount of remaining liquid from back flowing, but maybe that's insignificant.

Having it vertical might allow better clearing of any remaining liquid I suppose.

Just wondering.

Chris

 

[Syversens]

sounds easy enough.

thanks Peggie and Mike! sounds easy enough and I'll be careful not to tighten up too much. I was wondering why its not pumping everything out of the hose Peggie and thats definately what I'd prefer to do so I'll pump in dry for a while and I'll find how much is gone

thanks!

Gaute, the only thing I'd add to Peggy's comments are that I flush a couple of gallons of fresh water through, then pump until it's all in the tank. That way whatever water does come out when you open the fitting is not so funky. Placing an old towel on the floor in front of the toilet will catch most of the water. IT makes cleaning up when done a lot easier. And finally the joker valves on the toilet they installed in the 361 have triangular lips so the alignment isn't critical. Oh and when you tighten the screws back up, alternate between the two until both are tight. She's right on the money about cracking the fitting. Something that happens easily if you try to tighten one side all the way then the other. Ask me how I know
Mike

 

[Mike B]

Re: sounds easy enough.

Gaute, one other comment about pumping it dry. With that toilet if you continue to pump it dry you'll hear air mix with the water in the bottom of the bowl once the line is clear. When you hear that stop pumping or be prepared for it to spit water back up at you. Once again, ask me how I know
Mike

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Just a question about the alignment of the valve (if it is of the single lip variety). What is the rational for vertical? Chris

It seals tighter when vertical than when horizontal.

 

[Syversens]

Re: It couldn't be easier!

OK this wasnt that bad, like some said it was sory of messy but not much water in there to make it uncomfortable (and it was all water

One thing I noticed was some pressure building again and its thru the tank, not the head. I was baffled at this as the vent hose was cleared not long ago and I cleared it again with no obvious blockage. I got a thruhull for my 1 1/2 hose piece to hook up as vent but not sure I dare drill thru the hull to do something that might no work? Just nervious about having a big hole and still have the same problem, also sick of the pressue deal.... anyone have comments about larger vent line let me know

Cheer
Gaute