# I hate capitalism (toilet related) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 20, 2009, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175 "2009-01-20T18:42:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![kbear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4491bb/32.png) [@kbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kbear)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/21 "2009-01-20T21:20:31Z")
I feel the same way about mobile phone/camera/ipod chargers. There should have been a law when the first one was invented that they should ALL BE THE SAME! ---
**Author:** ![corkboard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@corkboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/corkboard)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/22 "2009-01-20T22:05:44Z")
Here’s what you do- more work than just removing the flapper, but much cheaper than hiring a plumber. 1. Turn off the water at the valve under the tank. 2. Flush the toilet. 3. Hi, Opal! 4. Use a sponge or paper towel to remove the rest of the water from the tank. 5. Unscrew the brass bolts holding the tank to the bowl flange. 6. Remove tank. 7. Remove the rubber bushing from underneath the tank surrounding the hole to the toilet. 8. Unscrew the ring holding the whole pipe assembly inside the tank, to which the flapper is attached. 9. Buy any standard tank fill assembly. 10. Follow instructions inside box. 11. Turn on water. 12. Begin flushing with nary a worry about a leaky flapper. Total cost- about $11 and one hour of your time. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/23 "2009-01-20T22:19:14Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > Yeah, who can come assess the situation, realize he needs to order a new flapper for an oddball toilet, and come back later in the week. > > That shouldn’t cost more than $200, as the OP said. Plus $55 for the two trips. crap, if you go to home depot you can replace the entire toilet for that nuch, in an american standard that everybody has parts for… ---
**Author:** ![Acid\_Lamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Acid\_Lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acid_Lamp)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/24 "2009-01-20T22:29:35Z")
> [@corkboard](#): > > Here’s what you do- more work than just removing the flapper, but much cheaper than hiring a plumber. > > 1. Turn off the water at the valve under the tank. > 2. Flush the toilet. > 3. Hi, Opal! > 4. Use a sponge or paper towel to remove the rest of the water from the tank. > 5. Unscrew the brass bolts holding the tank to the bowl flange. > 6. Remove tank. > 7. Remove the rubber bushing from underneath the tank surrounding the hole to the toilet. > 8. Unscrew the ring holding the whole pipe assembly inside the tank, to which the flapper is attached. > 9. Buy any standard tank fill assembly. > 10. Follow instructions inside box. > 11. Turn on water. > 12. Begin flushing with nary a worry about a leaky flapper. > > Total cost- about $11 and one hour of your time. I was going to post this. It’s really easy. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/25 "2009-01-20T22:31:34Z")
> [@UncleNito](#): > > Actually, in a pure capitalist system, I could buy a toilet that makes my foul humors disappear the first time, every time, and simply pay the extra $3/month for more water. Instead of this low-flow nonsense. In the _purest_ capitalist system, you’d either pay a cadre of white-jacketed, genuflecting attendants to catch _Monsieur’s_ leavings in an ornately embroidered velvet bag, or you’d get fitted for a white jacket. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Moto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/26 "2009-01-20T22:37:07Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > In the _purest_ capitalist system, you’d either pay a cadre of white-jacketed, genuflecting attendants to catch _Monsieur’s_ leavings in an ornately embroidered velvet bag, or you’d get fitted for a white jacket. This is closer to feudalism. Capitalism being focused on economic efficiency, the wisdom of paying those people would come into question mighty fast. ---
**Author:** ![wisernow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/13edae/32.png) [@wisernow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wisernow)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/27 "2009-01-20T22:51:33Z")
I still don’t understand why the OP is squeamish about removing the flapper and taking it to the hardware store to find an exact match. It is in the _tank_ of the toilet and not in the toilet itself!! ---
**Author:** ![cwthree](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9de0a6/32.png) [@cwthree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cwthree)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/28 "2009-01-20T23:09:58Z")
> [@OtakuLoki](#): > > Having said that, having had to play musical flappers in the past, the OP has my complete sympathy. Sympathy? I’m jealous. I only got to play conventional instruments like clarinet and trumpet. ---
**Author:** ![Llama\_Llogophile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/29 "2009-01-20T23:16:59Z")
> [@wisernow](#): > > I still don’t understand why the OP is squeamish about removing the flapper and taking it to the hardware store to find an exact match. > > It is in the _tank_ of the toilet and not in the toilet itself!! I realize that. But it just seems like putting underwear back on the shelf after trying them on. Also, I had to cut off the ring, because the fill tube is too large for the flapper I bought. As to why not use the old flapper… It too was a replacement part that didn’t fit perfectly. In hindsight, I should have just left it in. As for **Corkboard’s** suggested actions, I’m hesitant. I have only the one toilet in my house, and if I SERIOUSLY screw it up then I’m really hosed. As it is now, I can operate the mechanism by taking the top off and pressing down on the current flapper with a stick long enough to fill the tank and flush. But taking the tank off and attempting repairs could put me in a worse situation. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/30 "2009-01-20T23:26:03Z")
You should be able to find the right replacement with a search somewhere. We have a toilet we had to special order the flapper for. Even with that, it still leaked until I put marine caulking around the bottom of the toilet to fix the seal. The guy who owned the house before us fancied himself a handyman, but always bought the remaindered stuff and never got closet doors hung just right. I’ve fixed up a lot of his work. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/31 "2009-01-20T23:45:57Z")
[QUOTE=Mach Tuck] As for **Corkboard’s** suggested actions, I’m hesitant. I have only the one toilet in my house, and if I SERIOUSLY screw it up then I’m really hosed. [/QUOTE] If you’re brave enough to attempt a flapper replacement, you’re brave enough to replace all of the toilet’s guts. They really are just a “nuts and bolts” job. Outside of pressure-assisted toilets or the weird low-rise Kohler designs, the $20 “Flusher Fixer” kit will work in pretty much any toilet out there. If things go seriously pear-shaped, you still have the option of calling a plumber. Which is better? To spend $20 to learn that you can’t fix a toilet or to spend $200 and never know if you could fix a toilet or not? ---
**Author:** ![Llama\_Llogophile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2009, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/32 "2009-01-20T23:59:54Z")
> [@gotpasswords](#): > > Which is better? To spend $20 to learn that you can’t fix a toilet or to spend $200 and never know if you could fix a toilet or not? What I’m really concerned about is having to go to the bathroom in between learning that I can’t fix a toilet and the arrival of a plumber. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/33 "2009-01-21T00:03:19Z")
> [@sailor](#): > > I agree. We should all live in the socialist paradise where everybody shits in a hole in the ground and there is no need for flappers, flippers or floppers. How do you feel about copper clappers? ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/34 "2009-01-21T00:53:38Z")
> [@Mach Tuck](#): > > There is no marking on my toilet telling me which model of Eljer toilet it is. I know, because I crawled around on the floor carefully inspecting my toilet from all angles. This is not an experience I recommend. That’s your own fault. Clean your bathroom! > [@Mach Tuck](#): > > I can’t bring myself to return a flapper that has been in my toilet water, albeit for a completely unsuccessful five minutes. Well, there’s your problem; you got it in backwards. > [@Mach Tuck](#): > > And I can’t flush my toilet, which is bound to become a problem in a week or two. But think of how much money you’ll save on your water bill! > [@Binarydrone](#): > > I think that you are totally missing the whole point of Capitalism here. What you are supposed to do Is take the whole old toilet, dump it in a landfill then go buy a new one and pay someone to install it. In other words: Why do you hate America? Good God, man, can’t you read? The poor man hasn’t been able to use the toilet! That’s bound to make even Jesus want to kick puppies. > [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > In Soviet Russia, toilet flappers you. :rolleyes: Shut yer flap! **Seriously:** [Locke Plumbing](http://www.lockplumbing.com/toiletguide.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Llama\_Llogophile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/35 "2009-01-21T01:26:49Z")
**Ex Tank** , thank you for that link. Clicking on Eljer products leads to a page with photos of about 30 kinds of Eljer toilets. I’ve got it narrowed down to about 12. I’m hoping there’s a savant whose specialty is toilet identification reading this thread somewhere… ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/36 "2009-01-21T02:21:25Z")
> [@Mach Tuck](#): > > **Ex Tank** , thank you for that link. > > Clicking on Eljer products leads to a page with photos of about 30 kinds of Eljer toilets. I’ve got it narrowed down to about 12. > > I’m hoping there’s a savant whose specialty is toilet identification reading this thread somewhere… You rang? I recently had to look up/research parts for a busted recliner sofa, and got way too adroit at spotting minute details. How do the internal fiddleybits differ between the 12 models? Or are they like Cylons: look different on the outside, all gooey on the inside? If it’s not too personal, and you can get the proper angularity without exposing yourself to too much of your bathroom floor, why don’t you post a pic of your toilet (a good front and side shot would be helpful), and let’s see if we can’t narrow this down a bit, and get you, uh, back in business. ---
**Author:** ![Una\_Persson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/una_persson/32/346_2.png) [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/37 "2009-01-21T02:47:24Z")
> [@corkboard](#): > > Here’s what you do- more work than just removing the flapper, but much cheaper than hiring a plumber. > > 1. Turn off the water at the valve under the tank. > 2. Flush the toilet. > 3. Hi, Opal! > 4. Use a sponge or paper towel to remove the rest of the water from the tank. > 5. Unscrew the brass bolts holding the tank to the bowl flange. > 6. Remove tank. > 7. Remove the rubber bushing from underneath the tank surrounding the hole to the toilet. > 8. Unscrew the ring holding the whole pipe assembly inside the tank, to which the flapper is attached. > 9. Buy any standard tank fill assembly. > 10. Follow instructions inside box. > 11. Turn on water. > 12. Begin flushing with nary a worry about a leaky flapper. > > Total cost- about $11 and one hour of your time. We did exactly this last month, and it worked great. However, the OP may also consider that now is the time to go ahead and get a pressure-assist toilet. No more double-flushing, unless you’re some sort of mutant. ---
**Author:** ![Uvula\_Donor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/e19adc/32.png) [@Uvula\_Donor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uvula_Donor)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/38 "2009-01-21T13:36:44Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > Yeah, who can come assess the situation, realize he needs to order a new flapper for an oddball toilet, and come back later in the week. > > That shouldn’t cost more than $200, as the OP said. Plus $55 for the two trips. You could buy a new goddamn toilet for that price. ETA: …as aruvqan already mentioned. d’oh! ---
**Author:** ![Carson\_O\_Genic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/cdc98d/32.png) [@Carson\_O\_Genic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carson_O_Genic)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/39 "2009-01-21T15:30:51Z")
> [@Mach Tuck](#): > > As it is now, I can operate the mechanism by taking the top off and pressing down on the current flapper with a stick long enough to fill the tank and flush. But taking the tank off and attempting repairs could put me in a worse situation. You don’t need to have the tank to flush the thing. Have a bucket or pot containing about two gallons of water and steadily pour into the bowl. The toilet will flush, provided it isn’t clogged. IOW, don’t panic whilst pursuing, or perusing, repair. ---
**Author:** ![Carson\_O\_Genic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/cdc98d/32.png) [@Carson\_O\_Genic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carson_O_Genic)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2009, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175/40 "2009-01-21T15:31:59Z")
> [@Mr.Moto](#): > > This is closer to feudalism. Capitalism being focused on economic efficiency, the wisdom of paying those people would come into question mighty fast. More the reason for urgent offshoring. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-hate-capitalism-toilet-related/482175.md?page=3)