Plumbing problems can be frustrating, and while attempting a repair on your own might be intimidating, many common issues can be easily repaired in a short amount of time. Below is a list of common toilet troubles and what you can do to fix them.
Lazy Flush:
You're spending a lot more time in the bathroom than you'd like because your toilet never seems to completely flush on the first try. What to try: A poorly flushing standard toilet can be caused by a number of different problems. If you have a newer toilet, unfortunately, the problem is likely the new water efficiency standards. Open the tank, and first check the chain that runs from the flapper to the flush handle; if it is too long, the handle won't lift the flapper high enough. Shorten the chain by hooking into another link of the chain. Next, look at the water level in the tank--the amount of water affects how strong the flush will be. If the tank is not filling all the way (there should be a fill line on the inside of the tank), carefully bend the bulb of the float valve up a bit and see if the tank will fill. If you have a tube shaped float, there is a retaining screw that adjusts the float height. Last resort; check the toilet bowl rim holes (through which the water enters the bowl) with a small mirror, and if they are blocked, clean them with a small nail and acid-based porcelain cleaner. If none of the above does the trick, someone needs to replace the fill valve.
Phantom Flusher:
The spooky swoosh--that mysterious phenomenon in which your toilet seems to flush itself--can be unsettling late at night, not to mention a waste of water. What to try: The phenomenon is usually caused by water slowly leaking from the tank into the bowl through a worn-out flapper valve. When the rubber flapper is compromised, it allows water to leak out of the drain causing the toilet to constantly refill. Replacing it is easy--replacements are available at most hardware stores or home centers. Be sure to take the old one with you to find a correctly matching replacement.
The sound of silence:
A constantly running toilet is testing your sanity. What to try: The problem is most likely the flapper not sealing properly. First, make sure that nothing--such as a brick to raise the water level or a toilet-bowl cleaner dispenser--is blocking the valve from closing properly. This includes removing any mineral deposits around the seat beneath the valve. Also check that the chain attached to the valve is not too short and holding the valve slightly open. If you need a quick fix so that you can get some peace and quiet, flush the toilet and then smear Vaseline on the exposed drain opening to give a better seal.
Mystery drips:
The toilet tank is dripping, and you can't tell if the water is coming from sweating or a bad seal. How to tell: Dump some food coloring into the tank and see if the color reaches the floor. If it does, call someone!
Thar’ she blows!:
The toilet is about to overflow, and you know that your usual tactic of slamming the lid and thinking happy thoughts won’t solve the problem. THE QUICK FIX As soon as the level in the bowl starts rising, reach into the tank and pull up the fill valve (the ball or cylinder that floats on top of the water). That will stop the flow to the toilet, thwarting an overflow. Prop the float up or reach over and turn off the water to the toilet. Unfortunately, you still have to plunge the clog.
The lobster dance:
You've just stepped into the shower when some family member flushes the toilet downstairs and you do your best scalded lobster dance. What to try: In most households it's unavoidable that someone is going to use the toilet when someone else is using the shower. The problem is that a toilet flushing draws cold water away from the shower, making for an uncomfortable temperature change. The answer is to slow the rate of the toilet flush so that the effect is minimized. Find the water valve to the toilet tank and close it until it is about a quarter to one-half turn from completely shut off. The tank will fill slower, but if it's the difference between second-degree burns and mild temperature fluctuation, that is a compromise anyone would make.
When to call someone immediately!
Although most homeowners and tenants are surprised by how easy plumbing problems can be to fix, certain situations require greater expertise. As a good rule, any major problems are best handled by a licensed plumber. These include:
- Where a water leak is severe and is collecting water. Know where the main water cutoff is so that you can stop the flow of water and help prevent further damage.
- Any situation in which raw sewage is backing up into the home.
- In the event that the water supply to your home is entirely cut off and you don't know how to restore it.
Article written by Bill Cahill, Property Manager, Realtor
