What a Plumber Needs to Know to Troubleshoot Common Toilet Problems?

Toilets are surprisingly durable plumbing devices that can endure for years without showing any signs of malfunction. But if your toilet is continually running or starts to smell awful when you need to go, it may be a disaster and you’ll need the help of a professional commercial plumber when this scenario happens.

The good news is that resolving toilet issues is pretty straightforward. Learn how to solve common toilet issues including a toilet that runs intermittently, a toilet that flushes slowly, and a toilet that is clogged.

Find out about the most prevalent concerns and what you should do about them. 

What are Common Toilet Problems You Need to Be Aware Of?

Every toilet, of course, gets clogged now and then, but if your toilet clogs so frequently that you have to plunge several times a week from routine toilet flushes, something is amiss. All you have to do now is figure out what it is.

It’s a recipe for disaster if your family or guests flush anything else than a decent amount of toilet paper and bodily wastes. Many clogged toilets are caused by hygiene products and children’s toys.

Before Beginning Toilet Repairs

Some of the most prevalent problems and their solutions are listed below.

While many toilet repairs are straightforward, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to avoid issues:

• Any codes that pertain to your job should be followed.
• Contact a licensed plumber if the recommendations below don’t help you fix your toilet, or if you have any doubts or questions regarding the fixes.
• Nuts, bolts, and other connectors should not be overtightened. The toilet will be cracked if the metal hardware is overtightened. Plastic fasteners can be damaged if they are overtightened.
• To avoid harming connectors and fasteners, use caution when turning them.
• Metal fasteners can be protected using tape on the jaws of pliers or a wrench.
• To avoid cracking the tank lid, lift it carefully and deposit it in a safe location.
• Check to see if the repair parts you buy will fit your toilet. If you’re changing a toilet flapper, for example, choose a flexible or solid frame, and the size should be 2-inch or 3-inch based on the old one. Taking the existing part to the store to find a replacement may be helpful.

Runny Toilet

A toilet that runs continuously wastes water and costs money since water is constantly flowing into the tank through the fill valve. Usually, the issue is with the fill tank.

The tank’s water level is dropping:

• Examine the flapper. If the flush valve opening is not sealed, water from the tank will seep into the bowl and the toilet will run continuously to keep the tank filled. As needed, replace the flapper.
• If the flapper appears to be in good condition or if changing it does not address the problem, the complete flush valve assembly may need to be replaced.

The tank isn’t leaking or the water level in the tank isn’t high enough to overflow the overflow tube:

• It’s possible that the fill valve needs to be cleaned or replaced. If you have an outdated fill valve or ballcock, now is the time to replace it with a new fill valve.
• Debris in the fill valve can cause the water shut-off mechanism to malfunction. Clean out debris from your fill valve according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Clogged Toilet

The toilet is backed up:

• Turn off the water supply valve as soon as you realize the toilet isn’t flushing properly if you have a clogged toilet. This can help prevent the dish from overflowing and causing a mess. See Unclog a Toilet for instructions on how to unclog a toilet.

The toilet isn’t flushing properly:

• If the flush handle is too loose or too tight, adjust it as needed.
• Flush handles are normally reverse-threaded, which means you loosen by turning the nut clockwise and tighten by turning the nut counterclockwise.
• Examine the flush lever lift arm and make any necessary adjustments or replacements.
• It’s a good idea to take the handle or lift arm assembly with you to the store if you’re replacing it, this is to ensure you get the correct replacement. 
• Make that the lift chain is securely secured to the lift arm and the flapper at the flush valve’s base. As needed, untangle or adjust.
• Ensure that the flapper closes the flush valve opening completely. Replace the flapper if it is damaged or twisted.

The toilet does not entirely flush:

• Make sure the lift chain doesn’t have too much slack. As needed, make adjustments.
• Inspect the tank for the correct water level. According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, adjust the fill level.
• Ensure that the flapper is properly installed and that it is the right size and type for your toilet. If necessary, replace the flapper.
• Fix a Weak-Flushing Toilet provides more information and tips.

Noisy Toilet

The sound of water running is constant.

• Check out the details listed above. The Toilet Won’t Come to a Stop.
• Check that the water supply valve is completely open.

Ghost Flushing: When the toilet is not in use, it flushes

• Check out The Toilet Won’t Stop Running and The Toilet Leaks for more information.
• Ensure that the fill valve’s refill tubing is not inserted into the overflow tube. If necessary, remove it and secure it outside the tube.
• Ensure that the flapper closes the flush valve opening completely. Remove any debris that is blocking a good seal and, if necessary, replace the flapper.
• Replace the complete flush valve assembly if the instructions above don’t fix the ghost flushing.

24/7 Professional Plumbing Services

We have a team of specialists who can troubleshoot, repair, and replace toilets when you require professional plumbing services. You can count on us to repair your current toilet as soon as feasible.

We are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the event of an emergency. For residential plumbing services, you may contact us at 909-344-3710 at Bobby Blue Plumbing today!