Tips On Solving Common Toilet Problems

By Author: Tom D'Agostino
Total Articles: 10
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Tips on Solving Common Toilet Problems

Regular checks and cleaning of the flapper, water supply valve, and toilet rim holes can prevent many toilet issues. Learning more about how to handle these repairs can help you keep your toilet working well.

Identifying Common Toilet Issues

Understanding common toilet problems like constant running, clogs, and flushing issues helps fix them faster. Knowing if you have a running toilet, a clogged toilet, or flushing problems is key.

A running toilet usually happens when something is wrong inside the tank. If the toilet flapper, which keeps water in the tank, is worn out or not in place right, water keeps going into the bowl. Check the flush valve and the flapper chain to make sure they're okay. Sometimes, the water level in the tank is too high, and water goes into the overflow tube. You can fix this by adjusting the toilet fill valve.

For clogged toilets, you often start with a plunger. If it keeps clogging, you might need to check the water supply valve to make sure it's giving enough water for flushing.

If flushing is weak, it might be because ...
... the water supply valve is partly closed or there's a block in the small holes under the rim of the bowl. Making sure these parts work right is important for keeping your toilet running well.

Fixing a Running Toilet
A running toilet is a common problem that wastes water and can be annoying. One main reason for a running toilet is a damaged flapper. The flapper seals the bottom of the toilet tank; if itot working right, water leaks continuously.

Here's how to fix it:
Turn off the water to the toilet and flush it to empty the water from the tank.
Check the rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank. If it looks worn or damaged, you need a new one. Make sure the new flapper fits your toilet model.
Look at the flapper seat, where the flapper rests. If there's damage or buildup, it might stop the flapper from sealing properly.
Also, check the chain that connects to the flapper. If it's too tight or too loose, it can mess up the flushing and cause leaks. Adjust the chain so it moves just right, which helps the toilet flush properly and stops water from wasting.

Unclogging Blocked Toilets
A blocked toilet happens when waste and items that shouldn't be flushed build up and stop water from flowing. Here's how you can fix it:
Using a Toilet Plunger: This is your first tool for a small clog. Make sure the plunger completely covers the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl. Push and pull the plunger hard several times. This pressure can move the clog and let water flow again.
Using a Closet Auger for Tough Clogs: If the plunger doesn't work, use a closet auger. This tool is made to fix toilets. You put it into the toilet drain to reach the clog. The auger has a flexible shaft that can bend through the toilet pipes to the clog. Turn the handle of the auger while pushing it gently to break up or grab the clog to pull it out.
Regular Maintenance: Keep your toilet working well by regularly checking and cleaning the small holes under the rim of the toilet. These holes help flush the toilet strongly. Once in a while, flush several times in a row to keep everything flowing smoothly and avoid future clogs.
Using these steps and maintaining your toilet can help keep it clear without needing extra plumbing repairs.
Resolving Toilet Leaks
If you see water around your toilet or hear it dripping constantly, you might have a toilet leak. It is important to fix this quickly to avoid water damage. Often, these leaks come from a worn-out wax ring seal under the toilet.
First, turn off the water at the shut-off valve next to the toilet. Then, take the toilet off to see the wax ring. Check if the drain flange, the part the wax ring sits on, is cracked or rusty. If it is, or if the wax ring looks bad, put in a new wax ring. Make sure the toilet is back in place properly and level.
Leaks might also come from parts inside the toilet tank, like the fill valve or the flapper, which can get old and cause the toilet to run non-stop. This not only wastes water but can also make your water bill go up. Check these parts occasionally and replace them if they're not working right.
Adjusting Toilet Flush Mechanics
Fixing common toilet problems often includes adjusting how the toilet flushes. This makes sure the toilet works well and doesn't use too much water.
Set the Lift Chain Right: The chain that connects the handle to the rubber flap at the bottom of the tank should not be too tight or too loose. Just right means about 1/2 inch of slack so the flap can close tightly after each flush.
Move the Float Arm: You might need a wrench to adjust the float arm. It should stop the water about 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube. This helps make sure there's enough water for a good flush but stops it from overflowing.
Fix the Lever Arm: The flush lever arm connects to the handle you push to flush. It should be tight and not block anything inside the tank.
Check the Guide Arm: Look at the toilet repair guide, like Fluidmaster, to see if the guide arm is in the right spot. This helps the lever arm work better and last longer.
These steps help your toilet flush better and work more efficiently.
Replacing Faulty Toilet Components
To fix common toilet problems, it is often necessary to replace broken parts. Let's start with the toilet tank. Check the overflow pipe in the tank. If this pipe is broken, it can cause too much water to flow out, which wastes water and can cause other issues. Make sure the tank's lid fits well and has no cracks, as gaps can let water evaporate or get contaminated.
Next, look at the refill tube. This tube fills the tank back up after you flush. If it is not right, the tank might not fill correctly, causing water levels to be too high or too low. It should be well-aligned and not damaged. Also, inspect the water supply line that brings water to the tank. If it is leaking or is damaged, it needs fixing to keep the water flowing correctly.
When fixing the toilet base, check the bolts that hold the toilet to the bathroom floor. If these bolts are loose or rusty, the toilet might move, and this could break the wax seal underneath. A broken wax seal can cause leaks at the base of the toilet. Always replace these bolts and the wax seal to make sure everything is tightly secured and leak-free.
These steps help ensure your toilet works well and doesn’t waste water or cause leaks.
Handling Toilet Overflows
Dealing with a toilet overflow quickly can help avoid water damage and keep your bathroom clean. If your toilet begins to overflow, you need to act fast to stop more water from making a mess.
Stop the Water Flow: First, shut off the water supply to the toilet. Find the valve near the bottom of the toilet and turn it clockwise to cut off the water. This stops more water from going into the tank and overflowing.
Check the Flapper and Valve Seat: Open the tank lid and look at the flapper. If the flapper is out of place or broken, it can keep water flowing into the bowl. Make sure it sits correctly on the valve seat to halt the water flow.
Plunge Properly: Use a flange plunger to remove any clogs in the toilet. Make sure you get a tight seal and push down and pull up sharply to clear blockages that might be causing the overflow.
Manage Tank Refill: Once the clog is fixed, turn the water supply back on and watch the tank fill up. Adjust the float if needed to make sure the tank fills to the right level and maintains proper water pressure to avoid future overflows.
Following these steps will help you handle an overflowing toilet effectively.
Call a Professional Plumber
If your toilet keeps having problems that you can't fix, it is a good idea to call a professional toilet plumber in Arvada. Toilets have many parts that can be tricky to handle without the right and special tools and knowledge.
For example, if you hear strange noises from the toilet tank or if the toilet won't flush right, these are signs you need a plumber. They know a lot about common toilet problems that most people don't understand. If a screw keeps coming loose or a seal doesn't hold even after you've tried to fix it, these could be signs of bigger issues that aren't easy to see.
Also, a professional plumber can check your toilet carefully to help avoid future problems. If you've tried to fix things yourself and it didn't work, or if there are several things wrong at once, you need the skills of a plumber. They can do everything from simple jobs like changing a washer to big jobs like fixing the whole plumbing system behind your bathroom walls.
If you keep having the same problems or you're not sure how to fix something yourself, it's best to call a professional plumber. They can help you save time, and money, and prevent more damage to your home.