How to adjust ballcock in a water tank

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Have you been having a problem with water pumping in your tanks? Have you been having problem
with ballcock in your water tank? Two issues can cause water pumping problem that keeps water
running. First, is either water in the tank is too high, or the float ball does not close the valve properly.
Secondly, is either your float ball is broken and does not allow valve to close.

We have taken time to review guidelines on how to adjust your ballcock in the water tank and solve the
problem of running water. Depending on type os situation, you can easily adjust your ballcock and stop
running water from tank.

Step by step instructions

Step #1 prepare

In order to work with the water tank, and especially the ballcock, you need to turn the water off. Look
behind the tank. You will be able to see the valve to shut off to that individual tank. The valve is usually
at the top and is usually behind the tank. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water.

Remove the cover on top of the tank. Now, you will be able to see simple things that a floating ball,
gasket and lever. Do not get concerned with these things yet. However, as for now, you should be
concerned about getting the tank empty or to a level where you can freely work without being disturbed
by water. All you need to do is open on the outlet and reduce the amount of water in the tank.

Step #2 Locate the Ballcock

Now that you have empty the tank, you can quickly locate pieces inside the tanks. You will be able to see
a floating ball attached to a plastic or metallic rod. The two things, the ball and the rod are connected to
a lever, which is located in the inlet pipe. When water is full, the ball rises and closes the inlet valve. For
this, you should be concerned only with the thumb screw that is near the top of the assembly. It can be
a wing nut or a screw.

Step #3 Adjust the Ballcock

Moisture inside the tank can cause problems when adjusting the ballcock. Before you start adjusting the
ballcock, make sure it is dry. You can dry it using a dry towel, or you can use a clean piece of cloth.
Crease the area around the wing nut or the screw by using a small amount of petroleum jelly.

Greasing the screw or the wing nut will help in lubrication so that it can be easily moved. To make the
ball closer to lock the pipe valve, you need to turn the screw on clockwise direction by few turns. This
will lower the float ball closer to the closing valve than bending the lever. After you have done with
adjustment, ensure that you test it to ensure it is working properly. If there is still leakage, turn the
screw again until there is o more leakage when water is full on the tank.
However, the adjustment screw is only found on the newer version of the ballcocks. When the clock is
turned anticlockwise, it raises the level of water, but turning it in the clockwise direction, it lowers the
water level. The float ball should be closer to the closing valve to ensure that when water is full, it can
close the valve to stop water from entering the tank. The water level should be below the overflow of
the tank.

There is a mechanism on the float ball on how to raise and lower the ball to fill the valve. When
adjusting the ballcock in water tank that is tight enough and water is not entering the tank properly, you
need to turn it anticlockwise so to allow flow of water inside the tank. Turn the screw or the wing nut a
few turns to allow water to enter the tank. Ensure that when the water reaches the desired level, the
float ball can close the valve and stop water flowing inside the tank. The ballcock should work properly
before you cover the tank again.

Step #4 Safety Tip

When dealing with a tank, it depends on the kind of tank you are adjusting the ballcock. When adjusting
water tank used for drinking water or domestic purposes, you need to ensure that you are on clean
garments. You need to disinfect your hand's cloves covers so as not to contaminate the water. Ensure
you put on a gas mask and a cover hat not to drop hair on the tank.

Before you start to adjust the ballcock, ensure that the water inlet is stopped and that there is no water
entering the tank. Make sure that water level is reduced so as you can adjust the ballcock screw to the
proper position.

If you are working on a water tank that supplies hot water for shower, ensure that you leave the tank to
cool down first. Most of these tanks valves are metallic and conduct heat so fast. Working on it
immediately after emptying the tank can get you injured. Leave the tank for 20 to 30 minutes to cool
down. Ensure you adjust the ballcock when it is dry. You can use a dry clean piece of cloth or a towel.
Clean the tank after adjusting the ballcock and cover the tank again.

Finally, adjusting on the ballcock of water tank is an easy process as you have learned. The most
important thing to note is that turning the screw clockwise is trying to close the water from over
flowing. However, turning the screw of ballcock anticlockwise is trying to allow more water to enter the
tank.

Before starting to adjust the ballcock, ensure that the tank is empty to allow space for working. Dry the
ballcock screw and lubricate it to not to break it. Master the direction that is, clockwise direction and
anticlockwise direction.