Toilets are one of the most used fixtures in any home. That said, when they stop working correctly, it can disrupt your daily life. While some toilet problems require a professional plumber, you will be able to identify many common issues without much of a hassle. Knowing how to troubleshoot problems can save you time and money. It can also help keep minor issues from becoming bigger, more costly toilet repairs.
A Constantly Running Toilet
If you hear your toilet running long after you finished flushing it, the culprit is usually a faulty flapper. However, it could also be a problem with the fill valve or an issue with the float height. This constant running wastes water and drives up your utility bill.
To troubleshoot, start by removing the toilet tank lid and checking the flapper or the rubber seal in the tank that lifts during flushing. If it looks worn out or warped, making it not seal properly, you will need to have a professional from our team replace it. Adjusting the float arm or replacing the fill valve can also help regulate the water level and stop the toilet from running when it doesn’t need to run.
A Weak Flush
A toilet that doesn’t have enough power to flush all the contents in the bowl can be frustrating. The waste left behind is unsanitary, requiring multiple flushes of the toilet to achieve the same level of cleaning. This problem is most likely caused by something minor, such as clogged rim holes under the toilet bowl’s edge or by low water levels in the tank.
Begin troubleshooting by inspecting the water level in the tank. It should be about an inch below the overflow tube. If it’s too low, adjust the float to allow more water in. You can also use a mirror and a stiff brush to clean mineral build-up from the rim holes to help improve the flushing strength of your toilet.
Clogs and Slow Drains
A clogged toilet is one of the most common plumbing issues. While it’s unpleasant, it’s often easy to fix. Slow draining or complete blockages can result from too much toilet paper or a buildup in the pipes.
The first step in troubleshooting is to use a plunger. A flange plunger (with an extra rubber ring) works best for toilets because it creates a better seal. Pump firmly several times, then check if the water drains properly. For stubborn clogs, contact our drain cleaning team so that we can use a toilet auger or a snake to reach further into the drain and break up the blockage.
Phantom Flushing
If you hear your toilet refilling on its own without you flushing it, this is phantom flushing. It happens when water slowly leaks from the tank into the bowl. This often happens because of a deteriorated flapper or an issue with the flush valve seat.
To check for leaks, place a few drops of food colouring in the toilet tank. After the drops are in the tank, wait about 15 minutes without flushing. If the colour moves to the toilet bowl, you have a leak that’s wasting water. Replacing the flapper or repairing the valve seat will usually fix the problem.
Leaks Around the Toilet Base
Finding water pooling at the base of your toilet indicates that the wax ring seal between the toilet and the floor is failing. This is not a problem you should ignore because it can damage the floor and lead to unpleasant odours.
Troubleshooting a base leak usually means replacing the wax ring, which involves removing the toilet from its position. Call a plumber from our team at Yellow Submarine Plumbing & Rooter to ensure a proper seal and prevent further damage.
Your Toilet Will Not Flush at All
If pressing the handle does nothing, you could simply have a broken lift chain inside the tank. Remove the lid and make sure that the chain is attached to the handle arm and the flapper. If it is disconnected or loose, reconnect or shorten the chain. If the toilet still does not work, the handle itself may need replacing.
Contact a Reliable Professional at Yellow Submarine Plumbing & Rooter
Persistent leaks, recurring clogs, or problems involving your Central Vancouver Island home’s main sewer line require professional tools and expertise. By understanding the most common toilet problems, you’ll know when to seek professional help. Contact us at Yellow Submarine Plumbing & Rooter today for all of your plumbing needs.
