Toilet problems might seem daunting, but some of them are just a simple fix. Reaching out to a professional plumber every so often can be frustrating for some people. Therefore, it’s no bad to learn a few tips and tricks to fix some of the most common toilet problems yourself at home.
If you look closely, your toilet isn’t made up of many parts. Generally, a toilet has two parts that mostly hide your problems: a water tank where you recline and a bowl unit that rests on the floor. Oftentimes, a toilet bowl doesn’t encounter too many problems; however, the water tank might be an uneasy pick.
Without exception, there are many problems, but we will consider the 5 most common toilet problems and how we can fix them.
5 Toilet Problems You Can Fix at Home
1) - Running Toilet
One of the most common toilet problems found to occur is that of a running toilet. The constantly burbling sound of water can be so annoying whenever you enter the bathroom. Also, it can be the reason for your rising water bills due to water wastage. In case you didn’t know, you can fix it yourself.
The water might be draining because of two issues: either your flapper doesn’t sit well or because your tank’s water level has gone too high to allow the water to flow past the overflow tube. You need to replace your flapper valve if it’s become hard. Flappers can also become pinched in the hinges; if that’s the cause, look for its jammed side that prevents a full seal. Make sure to check that your flapper sits directly over the drain.
You can adjust the water level by lowering the float setting on your fill valve. Do this by moving the clip down to reduce the water level in the tank. It should be either half or an inch below the top of the overflow tube.
2) - Damaged Ballcock
A ballcock valve is also known as a float valve because it floats in the flush tank to avoid overflow or backflow. It’s made of a hollow ball that is connected to a valve that controls the water level. A ballcock valve has two types: a diaphragm type and a plunger type.
It has a very simple mechanism that can be adjusted to set the required water level by twisting the arm up and down and fix it to the point where you want the water to reach its maximum. To change the valve, turn off the water supply and remove the fill valve. You can do this by removing the mounting nut that holds it tight.
Now, set the new fill valve within the toilet tank, putting the tailpiece through an open area in the underside of the tank. Position the valve in such a way that the nipple of the water outlet faces the tank’s overflow tube. Now, tighten the mounting nut using channel-type pliers. Finally, turn on the water supply, and you’re done.
3) - Leaked Seals
Normally, a toilet consists of five points that require sealing to halt the leakage. You can simply check the flow of water to identify which seals need fixing. Sometimes, tightening a seal does the job, but mostly you’ll have to replace them.
The largest seal lies between the bowl and the tank, which mostly requires replacement. Drain the tank first, then remove it. Now simply turn it upside down and replace the old seal with the new one. Seals at the mounting bolts may leak as well. You can simply tighten them to stop the leakage.
The last seal is on a plastic flange underneath the base of the toilet. This is relatively difficult as it requires you to remove the toilet and then replace the wax seal around its base. However, if the flange is damaged, you’ll need a professional plumber to fix this for you.
4) - Loosened Flush Handle
A flush handle or bar gets loose oftentimes and can also get disconnected due to rash usage. A flush handle helps you drain the water tank. It is connected to a small chain that lifts the flapper up to initiate the flush. It gets stuck when the inside chain gets slack, due to which it cannot lift the flapper.
You can fix it by first closing the water supply and lifting up the cover at the top of your toilet tank. Unhook the chain and reconnect it to the lift arm that joints it from the flapper. Before turning the supply on, check for yourself if it works.
However, if your flush handle is loose, adjust its mounting nut that hides inside the flush tank. Remember to tighten the nut in the counter-clockwise direction because it has reverse threads from your angle of view.
5) - Clogged Drain
A clogged drain is one of the easiest problems to solve at home. There are many ways you can clear the clogged drain, but the most common of them is using a plunger. A force-cup plunger is generally more effective than other familiar standard types for minor clogged drains.
Just put the cup of your plunger into the drain and pump it forcefully. Do vigorous plunging up and down many times before you pull it off the drain opening. Also, make sure that the water level in the bowl is deep down so that the complete plunger cup covers the area.
In case you’ve got a serious clogging issue in your toilet, you’ll have to use a closet auger. Put the auger into your drain and twist the handle while you push its rotor downwards. It might take a few rounds to clear out serious tough clogs.
Still Need Help? Call in a Professional Plumber
In case you require professional plumbing services, contact Mesa Plumbing Company that offers 24/7 service with no extra charges, and provides 100% satisfied plumbing facilities across 12 cities in Arizona. So, contact us now to get your stubborn toilet problems fixed professionally.