AboutCortez (cort) Cate Expertise I can answer most questions related to residential and commercial plumbing for buildings up to ten-stories in height. I have excellent knowledge of the UPC, Uniform Plumbing Code and UMC, Uniform Mechanical Code. In the event there is a question I am not sure of I will at least let you know what I think and try to give you realistic options. Some problems are unique and may not have a simple answer. In those cases I will try to give you all the variables I know of.
Experience Since 1972 a California licensed B-1 General Building Contractor, C-36 Plumbing and C-16 Fire Sprinkler Contractor; also installing and servicing Heating, Air Conditioning and Sheet Metal operating as C and C Building and Plumbing, California State License 279516. In 1995 I downsized the company to become semi-retired. Still I remain active in the construction industry.
As head of a company I placed personnel and job safety as the number one objective followed closely by training and continuing education. Always seeking to stay informed of leading edge technology in the industry.
Also I have spent several years as an Apprenticeship Instructor in the Pipe Trades Unions.
Additionally I am a certified OSHA instructor.
American Standard Toilet, made in 1937. Over a period of hours, the level in the bowl mysteriously drops to a level below normal. How can this happen? Doesn't the trap hold the water level constant? The other two toilets in the house do not have this problem. No sign of any leaks from porcelain.
thanks.
Answer Hi Eric,
If you have time to look at some of my responses to questions there was a similar one to yours just last week.
Your water closet is quite old and just about anything can happen. One of the main problems with age is the buildup of calcium that can take place in the bowl waterways.
When the level in the bowl drops relatively quick it is usually a problem that is solvable with an auger or plunger; something may be lodged and the trap needs to be cleared. Your situation sounds more like a leak in the trap but who knows for sure. The only way to tell for sure, if the auger and plunger does not help is to remove the bowl from the floor flange and test the bowl for cracks or a hole in the trap.
To do this you simply remove the assembly from the floor flange, it is easier to take the tank off first and you will want to install a new tank to bowl kit when you reassemble. After removal you want to turn the bowl upside down and inspect the trap for visible obstructions or damage (hole or crack in water way of trap) but you can not see the entire distance without using mirrors and a flashlight. Next set the bowl in the tub or shower and fill the bowl with water to the proper level. If the water level goes down now it has to be leaking and the obvious solution (for a 70 year old water closet) is to replace it with a new one. Still repair is possible if you can find the leak. If the water level does hold then you must have an obstruction in the closet bend or the vent that is causing the bowl to continue its siphoning action after the flush. If that is the case you need to check the vent and closet bend making sure the closet bend (the closet bend is the section of pipe that the floor flange connects to and it conducts the waste to the main drain line usually within a couple of feet and at the main drain there is a vent connection) will take at least 15 gallons of water (using 5 gallon buckets pour directly down the closet bend) quickly without backing up. If it backs up or there is a lot of noise you need a plumber.
Good Luck,
