From ballcock to float valve, or how to ruin a perfect evening

One reason I didn't post twice yesterday and I had trouble focusing this morning's post was because I have a very simple plumbing problem that is giving me minor fits.

See the "float ball" in the diagram on the left? This is connected to the "ballcock" which is used to control the water flow into the toilet tank. Water will flow into the tank until the float ball is high enough to close the ballcock. As long as there is no leak in the "flush valve" seal, everything should be hunky-dory.

Most float ball and ballcock mechanisms though are designed to wear out. In my case, the end of the steel rod connecting the float ball to the plastic piece that shuts off the ballcock has worn a little groove into the plastic. The float ball never creates enough pressure to shut off the water. Easy enough to fix.

Instead of replacing parts, I chose to replace the whole mechanism. I've done it before. It isn't a big deal. I like the float mechanism which eliminates the big ball float. They should be maintenance free and last for years.

So, yesterday evening, when I arrived home, I did the switch in the downstairs bathroom. Everything went relatively well. I connected all the water lines and ran a test. Looked good. Then...the leak. See in the diagram where the supply line hits the toilet tank? I have a tiny miniscule leak where the new float mechanism is supposed to seal at the bottom of the tank.

Did I mention that this was the small guest bathroom downstairs? Or that I am a 200 lb man trying to maneuver on the side of this thing? I didn't? Well, this is a recipe for frustration.

What should have been a one hour job, stretched to 2 hours before I said that it would wait until tomorrow. I will fix it this evening. But while it remains undone, my mind can't relax. It feels like defeat.

I figure that I rushed the job and left some debris from the prior seal in or around the opening. I'll take it all apart and fix it. It's just a bit frustrating.

But when you finish a task like this, it really is a good feeling. I like to fix things. I don't like redoing my work. This is called a life lesson: Take your time and do it right.

Geez, that could be a Secret to Happiness.