MOST COMMON TOILET PROBLEMS AND REPAIR TIPS

You always have the option to try a DIY repair if your toilet is running, leaking, slow filling, won’t flush, or noisy, before you call a residential plumber.

First things first. Let us learn how a toilet works and then we will discuss the basic toilet repair and troubleshooting tips to fix those common problems.

How Does It work?

To give you a better understanding of how the plumbing and the toilet works, remove the tank’s lid and flush the toilet a couple of times. You will notice the following things:

The chain will lift the flapper valve, also known as the tank ball or stopper, whenever you push the handle.
The water that is inside the tank will flow through the flush valve and into the toilet bowl.
The water that came from the tank will then force the wastewater into the toilet bowl right through the trap and then to the primary drain.
When the tank is already empty, the flapper valve will then close and then the ballcock/fill valve will then refill the tank.
Once the tank is full, the float ball will close the ballcock or the fill valve.

Water On the Floor Surrounding The Toilet

In case you notice that there is water on the floor surrounding your toilet, be sure to repair the problem immediately to prevent moisture from damaging your subfloor. Begin by evaluating every connection like the fill valve mounting nut, tank bolts, as well as supply tube coupling nut. Make sure that everything is tight. If yes then you might have to change the washers.

When the weather is warm and humid and the water is leaking from the side of your tank, it might be condensation. Water getting inside the tank is commonly colder compared to the temperature of the room. Utilize the correct ventilation so as to lessen condensation. Another recommended solution is a toilet liner kit, which involves placing a foam panel inside the tank.

You should also check if the toilet tank is cracked because if it is, you have to purchase a new one. The water surrounding the base of the toilet can be due to a wax ring that doesn’t seal anymore or due to a cracked toilet base. In case the toilet is leaking all the time, then you have a problem with a cracked toilet base and it should be replaced. In case leaking takes place on or after the flush, you may have to change the wax ring.

The Toilet Will Not Flush

If the toilet is not flushing, the first thing you need to do is check the flush handle, the flush lever, the chain, and the flapper valve, as well as the connections of each part to ensure that they are all functioning. The possible causes of this plumbing problem include a handle that is too loose or too tight, a broken or bent lift arm, and a busted or out-of-adjustment connection between the lift chain as well as the lift arm.

Toilet Will Not Flush All The Way

If you notice that your toilet is not flushing all the way, you need to check three things. Check if the tank has a low water level, if there is too much slack in the lift chain if the flapper used is the correct model, and if it is correctly installed.

In case you don’t know what to do and you think you need a professional that offers toilet repair services, be sure to get in touch with a reliable plumber. But don’t just hire anyone. You need to find a Myrtle Beach plumber who is licensed and insured. He must also provide a fair price and possesses experience in toilet repair.