Crane Plumbing has manufactured commercial and residential plumbing products for more than 135 years. In 2008, Crane merged with Eljer and American Standard to create American Standard Brands but still manufactures toilets still under the Crane Plumbing brand. Typically Crane toilets provide reliable and efficient operation, but sometimes problems with flushing and leaks can occur.
Low-Profile Tanks
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SGI Canada warns that older Crane tanks, particularly low-profile models, may rupture without warning, resulting in significant water damage to your bathroom. The tanks that pose this risk were manufactured in British Columbia between January 1980 and January 1991. If you remove the lid from your tank and look inside, you'll see a serial number in the porcelain of the tank. If this number begins with "V" and the third and fourth numbers are 80 through 91, consider replacing the tank with a newer model to prevent damage.
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Flushing Problems
Slow draining or incomplete waste removal can occur if a Crane toilet fill valve is not properly adjusted or if the toilet drain is clogged. Remove the lid of the tank and make sure the water is up to the water-line mark inside the tank. If it is not, the problem may be the fill valve. Turn the screw on top of the fill valve to adjust the water level until it is at this line. Flush the toilet again. Crane Plumbing recommends using a mirror to check the rim holes in the toilet bowl for blockages as well. Hard water can build up on these holes, and this restricts water flow to your bowl. If there is a blockage in your drain or the venting, this will also prevent proper flushing but is not caused by your Crane toilet.
Bowl Problems
Crane toilet bowls have different water levels depending on the model of toilet and its specifications, but if you think the water level is low, flush the toilet and observe it for about five minutes. If the water level drops rapidly, there may be a problem with the vent piping in your home. This can cause a washing machine or dishwasher to siphon water from your toilet while discharging. Contact a plumber to inspect your venting and repair if necessary. If the water does not drop immediately after flushing, mark the level with a marker and leave it for two hours. If the level drops in this time, you have a crack in the bowl, and the bowl should be replaced.
Tank Problems
A leak in your Crane toilet tank is usually indicated by a tank that loses water after refilling. Flush the toilet to make sure the tank is filling to the water line. If it is not, the problem is the fill valve and not a leak. If the tank fills properly, turn off the main water supply and wait about one hour and then check the water level. If it has dropped, make sure that the flapper seats properly. If this is not the cause of the leak, feel the underside of your tank. If it is wet or the floor beneath is damp or damaged from constant moisture, the tank may be cracked. Overtightening the bolts that secure the tank to the bowl can crack the bolt hole in the tank and result in slow leaks. The tank should be replaced if this is the case.