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It doesn’t matter if you have a bidet, a composting toilet, or a regular old throne — the fact remains that wherever you do your business is the most disgusting part of your house. You probably don’t spend a lot of time down there.
It’s up to you to keep your toilet clean and running, but unless you’re down there with a mop every day, you probably don’t even think about your toilets’ well-being. The fact is that toilets are prone to all sorts of problems.
Don’t worry. We’ll show you eight common toilet problems and how to fix them. Keep reading for everything you need to know about toilet maintenance.
1. Clogged Toilets
Clogged toilets can be a frustrating problem for any homeowner. There are several common causes for clogged toilets, including built-up toilet paper, a heavy clog in the drain pipe, or an obstruction within the bowl itself.
The most common solution for a clogged toilet is a plungeit’sit’s invaluable for loosening an obstruction or dislodging a blockage. To use it, start by positioning the rubber cup around the drain, then slowly push the plunger up and down, creating suction that breaks up and dislodges a clog from the drainpipe.
If the cldoesn’tn’t respond to the plunger, you can try using some chemical drain cleaner or a pipe snake to dislodge the obstruction. If all else fails, you may need to call a licensed plumbing contractor to solve more serious clog problems.
2. Leaking Toilets
If your toilet is visibly leaking from any part of the toilet bowl, the most likely cause is a faulty wax seal or a loose toilet base. If the toilet leaks from the base, the first action is to adjust the bolts that secure the toilet bowl to the floor.
You will want to turn off the water supply for more severe issues, such as a faulty wax seal, and find a professional plumbers for assistance. If you decide to repair yourself, use a sealant designed explicitly for toilets and replace the wax ring.
Be sure to check for toilet bowl cracks before replacing the seal. With the right tools and knowledge, you can repair a leaking toilet in a few hours.
3. Running Toilets
A running toilet is caused by a faulty flush valve, which results in the continual refilling of the toilet tank after the flush cycle has finished. The flapper inside the flush valve needs to be adjusted or replaced to repair this issue. The cause of the problem could be due to a build-up of calcium deposits on the parts or a worn-out flapper.
If there is a calcium build-up, it can be cleaned with vinegar and baking soda solution. If the flapper is worn, it must be replaced with a new one. To do this, the tank must be disconnected and opened up to gain access to the flush valve. Once the flapper is replaced, the tank should be reassembled and reconnected, and the toilet should function normally.
4. Jammed Lever and Flapper
The lever and flapper are essential for the toilet mechanism, so if the lever or flapper does not open or close properly, the toilet will not work. If this occurs, it could mean an issue with the chain or handle, the flapper, or the plunger needs to be replaced.
The first step to fixing this is to remove the handle and inspect the chain and flapper. If it is the chain or handle, they can be replaced. The flapper may need to be replaced or adjusted to open and close properly.
If the plunger needs to be replaced, it can be replaced with a new one. Contact a plumber for further repairs if the problem is still not resolved.
5. Malfunctioning Toilet Fill Valves
Malfunctioning toilet fill valves occur when the toilwon’tn’t stop running after the flush or when it won’t refill with water after being flushed. A faulty valve seal or blockage in the fill line can cause this.
To fix this, first shut off the water supply to the toilet and remove any debris from around the fill valve. Then, to replace the seal and gasket, purchase the appropriate replacements from a hardware store and remove the existing parts, replacing them with new ones.
6. Rocking Toilet
Rocking toilets can be a common issue when the floor’s waterlogged materials have a soft or decayed consistency. This can cause the toilet to tilt or wobble to the point where it will be intrusive and an eyesore.
To properly fix this toilet problem, the first thing to do is level the legs of the toilet with shims. Additionally, you can use a wax ring to provide the necessary cushion between the bottom of the bathroom and the floor. You can also replace your weak flange with a stronger one.
7. Loud Noises From the Toilet
Loud noises from the toilet can be one of the most frustrating toilet problems. This can usually be attributed to a misaligned or loose fixture, a partial blockage, or a worn flush valve.
n easy fix is ensuring all screws are adequately tightened and checking for any blockage with a plunger. If the issue persists, replacing the flush valve may be necessary. The good news is that this is generally an affordable fix and can be completed relatively quickly.
8. No Water Coming Out of the Toilet Bowl
One of the most common problems is having no water from the toilet bowl. To fix this, check the water shut-off valve to ensuit’st’s in the ‘on’ position. If thdoesn’tn’t help, the toilet may need to be flushed with a plunger to break up and dislodge a potential blockage. Ensure the toilet is filled with enough water for a plunger to create a suction. Always wear protective gear like gloves when doing so. If the blockage persists and the toilet cannot be cleared, you may need to call a plumber. You can also inspect the water line, the fill valve, and the flush valve to identify and repair any leaks to increase water pressure. Also, check the float ball to ensure it isn’t stuck being stuck and prevents water from entering the tank. Regularly check these items to be aware of any problems and resolve them as soon as possible.
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