Let’s face it, the toilet is often the first place you go every morning and the last place you go every night before bed, not to mention all the times in between. So, it needs to be in perfect working order. When it’s not, it can quickly ruin your whole mood.
If you’ve ever had a running, leaking or clogged toilet, you’ll know exactly what we mean. While plumbing issues can be inevitable, there are things you can do when toilet issues arise. So, settle in the best you can for some potty talk as we explain the top five most common toilet issues and how you can fix them to get your day back on track.
1. Constantly Running Toilet
The most common issue homeowners and business owners complain about is a constantly running toilet. This essentially means that water is constantly flowing into the tank or bowl. It could be a steady flow or a slow drip, but regardless, it wastes a significant amount of water, which can be costly, and the sound can drive you nuts.
This issue is often caused by a faulty flapper, flush valve or fill valve. Start by checking each of these components for signs of wear and tear and give them a good clean. Sometimes a buildup of minerals or debris can prevent the valves from sealing properly, allowing water to slip past.
Alternatively, if cleaning doesn’t stop the flow or if any of these components are damaged, you will need to replace them. You should be able to pick up simple replacement kits for flappers, flush valve assembly and fill valves at your local plumbing store, but if you’d prefer to let the professionals fix it for you, give us a call.
2. Clogged Toilet
Blocked toilets are also a common occurrence. Whether it’s because someone has flushed the wrong thing or tree roots have invaded your pipeline, it’s a smelly and unpleasant undertaking.
If you can see the cause of the blockage you can try to remove it with gloves or a drain snake. However, if your toilet is draining slowly, or clogged with no sign of why, the issue is likely further downstream. In this case, turn the water supply off as soon as possible to prevent any overflow. You can then try to clear the blockage with a specialised toilet plunger or auger or pour hot water into the toilet bowl.
Unfortunately, if these DIYs fail to budge the water then you’ll need to give your local toilet plumbing specialists a call. We can find the blockage with CCTV pipe inspection cameras so we can complete effective repairs to clear your blocked drains and get your toilet working like it should again.
3. Weak or No Flushing
Sometimes our toilets can also refuse to flush. When this happens, it could be due to a blockage making the water level too high (if so, refer back to the paragraph above), or a malfunctioning flush handle or flapper.
Start by checking the tightness of the flush handle and adjust slightly if it feels too loose or too tight–note that these handles are usually reverse threaded so, you’ll need to turn the nut clockwise to loosen it and counterclockwise to tighten it.
Alternatively, if the flush handle is corroded, rusted or damaged at all, it is best to just replace the whole assembly. Additionally, check the lift chain for tangles and the flapper from warping or cracks and replace them as necessary. Again, you can pick these kits up at most plumbing shops or you can call a plumber to do it for you if you’d prefer.
4. Leaking Toilet Base, Tank or Connections
Toilet leaks can be dangerous and damaging, so it’s essential to address them ASAP and wear gloves while tackling the clean-up. The location of the leak will determine the required actions.
For instance, if the leak is coming from the supply line connection it may simply have come loose and require tightening, however, if it is clearly damaged or over five years old it may need replacing.
Leaks from the base (or side) of the toilet, on the other hand, can be caused by loose bolts or cracks in the toilet. Loose bolts can be tightened or replaced if they’re rusted out; a cracked toilet bowl or tank though will need to be replaced by a plumbing professional.
5. Toilet Water Level Issues
Another common toilet issue is the water level staying too high or falling too low. Either issue can cause serious problems such as overflowing the toilet bowl or increasing the risk of clogs. This could be caused by the float being set too high or too low and can be fixed by adjusting the float to the correct level or replacing it if it is damaged.
However, if this simple fix doesn’t do the trick you will need to check your toilet thoroughly for other signs of damage, such as cracks, clogs or damaged valves and complete the appropriate repairs or replacements as required. Alternatively, if you are unable to find any explanation, you may need to contact a qualified plumber for in-depth checks and expert repairs.
Avoid Frustrating Toilet Issues with Simple Tricks
By staying aware of these five common toilet issues and how to fix them, you can avoid some of the lasting inconveniences. Sure, toilet issues will always be frustrating, smelly and sometimes messy, but at least if you know how to handle them you can minimise the disruptions and get back to your normal routine sooner.
But remember, if you’re ever unsure about what is causing the exact problem or how to complete the repairs confidently and successfully, it’s best to contact an expert. Our experienced plumbing family at Mario’s Plumbing and Drainage are available 24/7 and can help with all your toilet plumbing needs.
