Toilet problems are excessively common. While we tend to call a plumber the first chance we get, you might be surprised to know that most toilet problems are relatively easier to fix – something you can do on your own without any additional help.
Before diving into the list of toilet problems, let’s understand the mechanism of a toilet.
The Mechanism of a Toilet
A toilet has two major parts - the upper part and the lower part. The upper part is the tank, in which the water resides. It has two significant valves installed that might need maintenance every now and then. These valves are responsible for the regulation of the water flow. It also has a handle that initiates the flushing routine.
On the other hand, the lower consists of a bowling unit installed right on the floor. This unit is responsible for the passage of waste material. It has no moving parts that might need repairing. However, when the line is clogged, this part of the toilet is the most affected.
Toilets Problems and Their Solutions
Let’s dive into some common toilet problems and ways to fix them:
A Clogged Toilet
A clogged toilet is the most common toilet problem that homeowners face when it comes to their bathrooms, arising every few months. This is because you might be dumping things into it, thinking that they are small. However, everything apart from feces can lead to a clogged drain. Toothbrushes, toilet papers, sanitary pads, and even baby wipes can eventually clog your toilet, making it difficult for the water to flush down the toilet as it should.
If you have kids, you might encounter this problem frequently. They tend to flush their small toys down the drain when you are not looking. Therefore, you need to keep an eye out if you want to avoid unnecessary plumbing problems.
Solution:
Keep a plunger by your side and unclog the toilet on your own. You can do so because toilet clogs are not very deep within. Make sure that you are using a plumbing plunger having the recommended length to avoid splashing.
Overflow Toilet
The clogged toilet might lead the water to overflow. Instead of going down the drain, the water starts to flow in the opposite direction, causing it to overflow along with feces. This can be a dirty job, for which you have to be prepared for.
Solution:
Try a plunger to unclog the drain. If it doesn’t work, go for a toilet snake. It goes deep inside the drain and reaches up to the trap, unclogging the toilet in the process. You should always cover your nose as the toilet might smell really bad. In addition to that, wear protective gloves before trying out the toilet snake as the water might bounce off the toilet. Clean the toilet thoroughly after unclogging it.
Damaged Flush Valve
The flush valve is located in the center. It is attached to the bottom of the tank fitted above the toilet. A flush valve is extremely important for obvious reasons; you won’t be able to the waste down the toilet (let’s face it, it is neither a pretty sight nor an appropriate smell). The float ball placed against the flush valve opening keeps the water inside the tank until you operate the valve.
Solution:
If the flush valve is not working for some reason, you need to make it functional. The problem might lie in the overflow. It keeps the water and lets the water fill once you have flushed the toilet. Make necessary changes by installing a small refill tube beside the overflow tube. It seals the trap, all while streaming the water down the toilet during the refill cycle.
Faulty Vent
The plumbing system consists of various vents installed inside the walls of your bathroom. These vents are interconnected and joined to reach up to the ceiling. Any problem in the vents and the entire plumbing system disrupts.
Most problems in the vents arise because of the air pressure. Free airflow enables an appropriate amount of pressure in the plumbing system, which ultimately regulates the flow of water in the pipes. However, if the vents are deprived of air pressure, the water pressure might be low in the toilet bowl.
Solution:
You can use a toilet snake to dislodge the dirt or debris stuck inside the vent. Clean the vents properly to avoid blockage.
Bubbling Toilet Problem
A bubbling toilet can be a sign of a plumbing problem. It can be caused either by a clogged toilet or a faulty vent. The bubbles rise in the toilet bowl, making it difficult for the waste to pass through. This can happen because of the irregular passage of air. As vents are responsible for air pressure, the problem in one can lead to a bubbling toilet.
A bubbling toilet requires a second opening for air. Otherwise, the water won’t flow down the drain properly, which can be quite a problem.
Solution:
You can take care of a blocked toilet with the help of a big plunger. It will maximize the chances of suction while minimizing the chances of a water splash. On the other hand, if the problem is inside the vent, you can use a toilet snake to clear the area.
In Conclusion
Toilet problems are most commonly regarded as the easiest of the plumbing issues – something you can solve on your own. However, if the problem persists, you should call a professional plumber from Mesa Plumbing Company. They have a panel of skilled plumbers who know their craft; hence, they will be able to dig deeper to reach the root cause of the problem at hand.