Toilets are an essential part of our daily lives, yet they often create problems that can be both annoying and disruptive. Whether the toilet is plugged, a slow fill, or one of those mysterious phantom flushes. These are problems every homeowner will encounter at some point.
So, this week our topic is about five common toilet problems that homeowners will encounter. Jack DeVetten, the Professor of Plumbing will provide you with five actual case studies, their symptoms, and then some practical solutions. The names in the case studies have been changed for privacy reasons.
By the time you have finished reading this guide, you’ll have the confidence to handle these repairs yourself, saving both time and money. So, let’s dive in and get your toilet running smoothly again. Grab your tools, and let’s master the art of toilet repairs together!
Disclaimer: The following information is just that. Information. Do not attempt to do any of the following repairs if you do not have the proper tools and if you are not confident in a positive outcome. Now, let’s get into the five common toilet problems.
Plugged Toilet
One morning, Jane woke up to find her toilet plugged. She had guests arriving in an hour. What to do? Then she remembered her dad’s advice. Always have a good plunger on hand. Jane grabbed the plunger, and created a tight seal around the drain.
Then after flushing the toilet several times, she finally heard the sound of the clog loosening. After flushing one more time, the water swirled down perfectly. Jane breathed a sigh of relief. She was grateful to her dad, because that plunger saved her from an embarrassing situation. And a costly repair.
Look for these symptoms.
• Water rising to the brim
• Slow draining
• Gurgling sounds
These are some common causes.
• Excessive toilet paper
• Foreign objects
• Flushing non-flushable items
Here are some basic solutions to unplug a toilet.
• Use a flange plunger to create a seal and then push down and pull up several times to dislodge the clog.
• For stubborn clogs, use a toilet auger to break up the blockage.
• A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help dissolve minor clogs.
• If none of these methods work, call Ace Plumbing to avoid damaging the toilet.
A Slow Filling Toilet
Sam noticed his toilet was taking forever to refill. Frustrated, he decided to investigate. He found the shut off valve, then turned off the water supply to the toilet, and opened the tank. There, he saw that the float valve was completely covered in sediment.
Carefully, he cleaned and reassembled the float valve. Turning the water back on, he watched as the tank filled quickly and quietly. Sam realized that a little maintenance could go a long way in keeping things running smoothly.
Look for this symptom
• Refill time after flushing
These are some common causes.
• Faulty fill valve
• Water supply issues
• Sediment buildup
Here are some basic solutions
• Adjust, and make sure the float valve is set correctly to allow the proper amount of water into the tank.
• Make sure the water supply valve is fully open and there are no blockages.
• Sediment buildup can block the float valve. Clean it thoroughly or replace it if necessary. If you get stuck. Ace Plumbing can help with that.
The Mysterious Phantom Flush
Late one night, Emma kept hearing her toilet flush on its own. This weird sound was very unsettling. But determined to solve the mystery, she inspected the toilet. Consequently, she found that the flapper was cracked and not sealing properly.
She called Beth at Ace Plumbing and immediately set up an appointment. Before she new it, the doorbell rang, and Brian replaced the old flapper with a new one. Emma was glad she called Ace Plumbing. That night, she slept peacefully without any phantom flushes.
Look for these symptoms.
• Toilet flushing on its own
• Water running intermittently
These are some common causes.
• Flapper seal deterioration
• Water level adjustment
• Sediment buildup
Here are some basic solutions.
• Check the flapper for wear and replace it if it’s not sealing properly.
• Make sure the water level in the tank is set correctly.
• Clean or replace flapper if sediment buildup is the issue.
The Incomplete Flush
Mark was annoyed by his toilet’s weak flush. He decided to have it fixed and called Ace Plumbing it before hosting his friends for the weekend. Gordon arrived later that morning, he saw the water level was too low when he checked the tank.
He adjusted the float valve to raise the water level and cleaned the rim holes to ensure proper water flow. After these adjustments, he tested the flush. It was powerful and complete.
The moral of this story is that getting professional help can solve frustrating issues and prevent further inconvenience. Mark’s decision to call Ace Plumbing resulted in a swift and efficient solution to his weak-flushing toilet, so that he and his friends had a problem free weekend.
Look for these symptoms.
• Weak flush
• Water not draining fully
These are some common causes.
• Low water level
• Clogged rim holes
• Flapper issues
Here are some basic solutions.
• Adjust Water Level and make sure the water level in the tank is correct.
• Use a wire hanger or brush to clean out mineral deposits from the rim holes.
• Inspect and replace the flapper and make sure it is sealing properly. Replace if needed.
Loose Toilet Handle
Lily’s toilet handle had been loose for weeks, making flushing to toilet a constant struggle. Because she did’nt want to buy a new toilet, she decided to tackle the problem herself. After lifting the tank lid, she saw that the mounting nut was loose.
With a wrench, she carefully tightened the nut, making sure not to overtighten it and crack the porcelain. After testing the handle, she found it worked smoothly. Lily was pleased with this small victory, because she realized that even minor issues can be easily fixed with a bit of effort. And by being proactive, Lily also saved hundreds of dollars by not having to buy a new toilet.
Look for these symptoms.
- Handle feels loose or wobbly
- Difficulty flushing
These are some common causes.
- Loose mounting nut
- Worn handle mechanism
Here are some basic solutions.
- Open the tank and tighten the mounting nut carefully.
- If the handle mechanism is worn, replace it with a new one.
The Importance of Addressing Toilet Repair Issues
These case studies teach us the importance of addressing toilet repair issues as they come up. Because with the right tools, and expert help, you can minimize an enormous amount of stress not on yourself and your budget.
Remember, if you need professional help, don’t hesitate to contact Ace Plumbing for assistance. Our experienced plumbers are ready to help 24/7 365, with all your plumbing needs.
FYI: You don’t need an expensive toilet plunger. Check out prices at Home Hardware.
Do you want to save more money on toilet problems? How about $200.00 in free service annually. Ace Plumbing does, sign up to their Club Royale Maintenance Program and start saving today.