Dealing with Common Toilet Problems

Common Toilet Problems

Running Toilet

If water is constantly running into your toilet bowl it could be a sign of a faulty flapper valve, improper float height, or a sign that your tank components are damaged or worn out. Luckily, none of these issues are highly troubling and can usually be fixed yourself with a little effort. 

Start by inspecting each of the components for damage, hopefully, if it is just a float issue, you should be able to simply adjust the height of the float so the water stops running. However, if it’s a damaged or faulty flapper valve you will need to buy a new one compatible with your toilet model and replace it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. 

Finally, you can check and clean the fill valve to ensure no minerals or debris are causing it to clog or malfunction. These simple fixes should generally stop your toilet from running into the bowl and wasting water, however, if they don’t you may need to call a plumber.

Clogged Toilet

Clogs and blockages are some of the most common issues that toilets face. This is generally due to excessive toilet paper use or non-degradable objects being flushed, such as feminine hygiene products or wet wipes. Since these objects don’t break down, they get caught in your pipes and cause a stubborn blockage. Alternatively, toilet clogs can also be caused by tree roots invading the pipes down the line and clogging or damaging the pipework.

If the blockage is caused by foreign objects being flushed, you will generally be able to clear it with a plunger to remove the object back out through the pipes and bowl if it hasn’t moved too far down the pipes.

However, if the blockage is caused by tree roots or if the object has gone too far down the pipes, you will need to call a plumber to thoroughly inspect the pipes, locate the issue and fix it either with high-pressure jets or by excavating the pipes. Trained plumbers will be able to find the best and least disruptive solution to fix the problem quickly and effectively.

Leaking Toilet

Leaking toilets can be caused by a range of issues, depending on the location of the leak. Generally, a leak will be caused by a faulty wax seal, a crack in the bowl or loose connections, these will all cause water to pool around the base of the toilet and can cause water damage on your flooring and the bottom of your walls, so should be addressed as soon as possible. Additionally, toilet water can carry dangerous bacteria, so you don’t want to allow it to sit. 

So, if you notice water leaking down the side of your toilet bowl or pooling around the base, it’s important to act quickly. Start by checking the connections and tightening any that are loose, and then check for cracks in the bowl or damage in the wax seal around the base of the toilet. If you notice any damage in the bowl or seal, you will need to contact a qualified plumber to replace your toilet bowl or wax seal with a new one.

Toilet Not Flushing Properly

If you are unable to flush your toilet properly, it could be a sign that there isn’t enough water in the tank. This is easily fixed by adding more water into the tank up to the correct line. It could also be a sign that there are issues with the flapper valve. Similar to a running toilet, a faulty or damaged flapper valve can cause the toilet to not flush properly. If you suspect the flapper valve is the issue, replace it with a new, compatible model. 

Finally, a toilet that is unable to flush properly, could be caused by blocked rim jets. The jets around the rim of your toilet are what allow water to flow into your toilet, but if they become blocked with minerals and dirt they can become ineffective. Clean the jets regularly to ensure your toilets flush adequately.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy & Working Toilet

Along with the specific troubleshooting tips for each of the above issues, there are also some general maintenance tasks that you should be doing each week or month to keep your toilets functioning properly. This includes thoroughly cleaning the bowl, seat and tank, this not only keeps your toilet hygienic and kills germs and bacteria, but will also keep down debris and minerals that can wear away at your toilet’s components or clog the jets. 

Additionally, you should educate yourself and your household about the correct amount of toilet paper to use so as not to overwhelm the toilet and proper disposal methods for non-flushable objects. It’s good practice to keep a small bin next to your toilet to encourage proper disposal of wipes and sanitary products.

Finally, don’t forget to check your toilet and all components regularly for signs of damage or wear and tear, such as loose connections, cracks or leaks.

Keep Your Toilet Working With Professional Assistance

With these simple troubleshooting tips and maintenance tasks, you should be able to keep your toilet functioning properly for many years to come. However, if you do notice any issues with your toilet, such as the common issues we’ve discussed today or any others, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional plumbing company for advice and help.

Our fully qualified plumbers at Essendon Plumbing Services, for example, are ready and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help with your plumbing issues and get it up and running like new again. Whether it’s a running or blocked toilet or a leaky valve, we’ve got you covered!