Tips For Common Toilet Problems

Without question, your toilet is the hardest working fixture in your home. It is also the fixture that causes you the most grief when it’s not functioning properly. Because the toilet is used so frequently, it’s vulnerable to performance issues, but the good news is that most toilet malfunctions can be quickly, easily fixed. Here are some of the most common toilet problems homeowners and plumbers encounter.

Leaking Toilet

A toilet leak needs to be fixed promptly as water can damage your bathroom floor. Most leaks occur from the nut behind the fixture stop handle, the connection to the water supply line, tank-to-bowl connections, and at the base of the toilet where the wax ring seals the toilet to the floor. Some common causes of toilet leaks include the flapper not closing securely into the valve seat, a cracked valve seat, or a failed gasket. Replacing the gasket or tightening the flapper can usually stop the leak.

Incomplete Flushing

If your toilet won’t flush, look in the tank. A very common problem with older toilets is that the chain that operates the flapper is separated from the handle that activates it, which is an easy replacement. The toilet may also be blocked, which usually results from something inappropriate being flushed down the toilet, like a toddler’s toy or even too much toilet paper. Your best bet is to use a plunger or if possible, fish out the offending object, or to force the blockage into the larger pipe servicing the toilet. Other causes of incomplete flushing include a broken toilet handle or a low level of water in the tank.

Clogged Toilet

Your friend the plunger is also effective in dislodging clogs in the toilet. Again, many clogs are caused by flushing objects other than human waste and toilet paper. Other causes of a clogged toilet could be more substantial, such as clogs in the main line, which will require the services of a qualified drain professional.

Damaged Fill Valve

If your toilet is running constantly, your fill valve may need adjusted or replaced. A damaged fill valve impedes the flow of water from the tank. Your fill valve also controls the flow and amount of water entering the tank and may need replaced due to age or harsh water conditions. Replacing the fill valve is a relatively simple fix that a skilled DIYer can accomplish.

Call Atlas Butler For Toilet Problems

If you are facing toilet problems, do a little troubleshooting to see if you can pinpoint the problem. Otherwise, reach out to Atlas Butler at 614-681-2167. We’ll send one of our experienced plumbers out to look at your toilet, diagnose the problem, and recommend a repair or replacement. You can trust Atlas Butler to address all your residential plumbingneeds.