Are you having difficulties with your new toilet after a toilet installation? Do you fear that the entire thing needs to be repaired or replaced? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about the most common toilet repairs.
Doing so can help you solve some of the most common issues. You’ll know what the signs are for certain dilemmas and whether you need to call in a professional plumber or not.
See below for an in-depth guide on the most common toilet problems that homeowners face and what you can do if they ever occur in your home.
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Toilet Isn’t Filling with Water
We’ve all had it happen to us at one point or another. You flush the toilet and wait for the water to rise back, only for it to shut off before any water fills the bowl.
This can be quite alarming for homeowners, who generally have more experience with watching a toilet overflow from a clog. So what does it mean if the toilet bowl doesn’t fill back up with water?
There are a few different things that could be happening; some of the most common reasons for a lowered water level in your toilet bowl includes:
- Faulty Fill Valve: The fill valve is the feature of your toilet that is supposed to make sure the bowl gets refilled after you flush the toilet. If the water isn’t refilling, the fill valve is the most likely culprit.
- Faulty Fill Tube: While the fill valve is responsible for monitoring when a bowl gets refilled, the fill tube is the one that actually sends the water back into the tank. If the fill tube gets disconnected, the fill valve will cut off the water as a reaction.
For any plumbing problems in Alexandria, VA, be sure to view Plumbing Pros DMV to get it fixed right away!
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The Toilet is Clogged
Ah, yes… the dreaded clogged toilet. Homeowner or not, we’re willing to bet that you’ve had this happen to you more than a few times in your life.
People are quick to blame themselves or the person before them for using too much toilet paper; but the reality is that clogged toilets can happen for several reasons, such as:
- Attempting to dispose of items that aren’t flushable
- The toilet isn’t powerful enough to flush a moderate amount of TP
- There’s a clog somewhere else in your plumbing system (not your toilet)
- The toilet tank doesn’t have enough water in it
- The toilet vent has a blockage
- Your toilet is too old (and weak from wear and tear)
The list goes on and on. If you’re experiencing a clogged toilet, then the first step is to try and unclog it yourself with a plunger. Make sure your plunger is directly over the hole, or else it won’t work efficiently.
If that doesn’t work, you can also try pouring a mixed solution of vinegar and baking soda. This can help break up materials in the clog. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then try to flush the toilet once more.
If neither DIY attempt works, then it’s time to call in a professional. There may be a larger issue that they need to take a look at.
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Poor Flushing
Have you recently gone to flush your toilet and felt like it was taking longer than usual to flush? It’s quite common. Believe it or not, this is also a sign that there is a blockage somewhere in your system.
That blockage is likely occurring in the toilet leach field, which is tasked with removing any contaminants or harmful chemicals in your water after it leaves the septic tank. As you can imagine, while trying to block impurities from leaving the tank, it isn’t uncommon for the leach field to get clogged itself.
You’ll need to call in an expert to have them clean the leach field quickly and get your toilet flushing properly again.
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Water Leaks
Simply put: you should contact a professional plumber immediately after you notice that there is a water leak in or around your toilet.
There are several things that can cause this, such as the flapper being out of position or when the toilet isn’t properly sealed somewhere.
It’s always better to contact a professional when there is a water leak so that they can pinpoint where it’s coming from, what’s causing it, and perform an emergency repair. Waiting too long can result in serious water damage to your property.
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Bad Odors
Obviously, there are some bad odors that people would expect to come from a toilet, depending on the situation.
That said, homeowners need to look out for any lingering smells in or around their toilets. This can be a fishy odor or one that might start to smell like rotten eggs.
The bad odor could be alerting you to something that needs professional attention, such as water damage or a build-up of bacteria in your sewer line. This needs to be addressed right away. Call a plumber that can come out and use their equipment to fix the issue quickly.
Contact Professional Plumbers for Any Toilet Repairs
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on the five most common toilet repairs that you might face, be sure to keep a sharp eye out for them in your home.
Take a few minutes to browse our website for more articles on toilet installation, as well as many other articles you’ll find helpful.
