Toilets lead to some of the most common plumbing repair issues in the home, and at Expert Services- Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we’re here to help. Our 24-hour service is here for you no matter when issues crop up, including emergency problems.
For the handy homeowner, though, there are several common toilet-related issues you can actually manage on your own with the right tools and little bits of knowledge. Here are a few tips for a do-it-yourself to basic toilet issues.
Tank Trickling
Commonly marked by a hissing sound you’ll hear for long stretches, this is an issue when water trickles back into the tank via the supply line. When you open the tank, does the floating element need to be adjusted? That could solve your problem right away. If not, make sure the refill tube isn’t inserted too far into the overflow tube. If these don’t work, it could be time to call the pros.
Clog
The most common toilet issues are clogs, and there are several causes. In many cases, a force-cup plunger will do the trick – in others, though, a closet auger will be needed. Take special care if using one of these, and be sure not to scratch the bowl.
Weak Flush
If the tank is having trouble emptying at the normal rate, it could be caused by clogged holes under the rim of the toilet bowl. These are the areas where water enters from the tank. Simply poke each flush hole with a curved piece of wire, while again taking care not to scratch the bowl. Use a small mirror to help you see, if needed.
Phantom Flush
If your toilet is refilling itself at unusual times, even when you haven’t used it recently, this could be a problem called a phantom flush. It’s caused by a leak from the toilet tank into the bowl, generally due to a bad flapper – the item that controls water entering the tank. Drain the tank and the bowl completely, and check the flapper for any damage. If you find any, it’s likely you’ll just need to have the flapper replaced. If not, there could be a more serious issue.
For more information on common toilet issues, or to find out about any of our other plumbing services, call us at Expert Services- Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical.