Every homeowner is going to face a toilet issue from time to time. This plumbing fixture does a tough job, and it serves you well most of the time. But when there is a problem, it can become very stressful very quickly. You imagine a flood of dirty water and sewage in your home or having no working toilet, and you instantly begin to panic. But with a little help from our plumbing pros, you can diagnose the problem and know if you can fix it or if it is time to call in the pros to get the job done.
Overflowing Toilets
When you flush the toilet only to see the water level in the bowl continue to rise, your heart sinks. But there is no need to panic. If you keep trying to flush the toilet with a clog in the drain, you are assured of a flood of dirty water. Instead, you need to remain calm and act quickly to avoid a nasty flood. Reach behind the toilet and turn off the water valve near the wall. This step will stop the flow of water into the toilet tank.
Next, remove the top of the toilet tank and push down on the flapper. This will stop the flow of water from the tank to the bowl. Now the threat of a flood is eliminated, and you can turn your focus to removing the clog in the drain. You can start by using a plunger to dislodge the clog.
If the plunging does not do the trick, squirt some liquid dish soap into the toilet bowl and let it sit for a bit. The soap should settle down to the clog and begin to break it up. Repeat the plunging to remove the clog. If this process does not work, it is time to call in a professional.
Running Toilet Tank
Not only is it annoying to hear a toilet always running, but it is also a massive waste of water and money. The fix for this problem is a simple flapper replacement. To test that the flapper is, in fact, the issue, push down on it when the water is running. After a second or two, the water should stop flowing. You now know that the flapper was not sealing correctly and needs to be replaced.
Locate the correct flapper or a suitable replacement model and follow the installation instructions on the package. Most installations require no tools and take only a few minutes.
Bad Water Supply Valve
Everything wears out, and that is usually the case with water supply valve issues in toilets. The valve continues to run, and the water is being wasted. If the valve is relatively new, the problem could be sand or mineral build-up, but more often, the culprit is just old age.
Shut off the water supply to the toilet at the valve near the wall or floor. Flush the toilet once to drain the water from the tank into the toilet bowl. Use a sponge or towel to soak up the remaining water in the toilet tank. Then follow the instructions on the replacement water supply valve for a quick and easy solution. When you turn the water back on, be sure to look for any tiny leaks or drips before calling the project completed.
Partial Flush
A partial flush is typically due to an issue with the flapper. When it becomes saturated, it will close too quickly. The flushing process should have the flapper remaining open for about 80 seconds for a complete flush. If the flapper is dropping too fast, purchase a replacement, and follow the installation instructions.
Slow Flush
A slow flush is generally due to a partial clog or blockage in the drain. Fill a five-gallon bucket and dump it into the toilet as quickly as possible without overflowing the bowl. If the flush is complete, then there is no clog issue, and you should check the tank flapper as stated above. If the bowl fills and backs up, then you have a clog and need to call (214) 388-8838 for help from the pros at Flow Plumbing for clog removal.
