Toilet problems can be a major inconvenience, especially when they occur out of the blue. It can be frustrating to deal with a clogged toilet or a leaky tank on the best of days. On top of that, it can also lead to water waste and higher water bills. In this article, we go over five common toilet problems and how to fix them. That way you can address the issue quickly or know when to call for professional help.
A clogged toilet is one of the most common plumbing problems. A number of things can cause a clog, including "flushable" wipes, which can even cause a backup in your main sewer line. There are a few different ways to unclog a toilet. The basic option is a plunger, but pouring hot water and dish soap down the drain or using a toilet auger can help. If none of these methods work, it may be necessary to call a plumber.
A leaky toilet tank can come from a faulty flapper, a faulty fill valve, or a crack in the tank itself. Using chlorine cleaning tabs in the tank can also cause the flapper or fill valve to fail sooner than normal, due to the high levels of chlorine. To fix a leaky tank, start by replacing the flapper or fill valve. If these components are in good condition, the problem may be a crack in the tank. In this case, replacing the entire tank will likely be necessary.
If your toilet won't flush right, it could be due to a clogged drain or a faulty flush valve. To fix this problem, try using a plunger or a toilet auger to clear the clog. If these methods don't work, you may need to replace the flush valve.
If your toilet doesn't stop running, it could be due to a faulty flapper or fill valve. These components can wear out over time, causing the toilet to run all the time. To fix this problem, replace the flapper or fill valve.
