A leaking toilet can waste around 200 gallons of water every day.
Aside from leaks, toilets can be the root of many issues that require professional help. Perhaps you’re excited to learn the common toilet problems so you know what to look out for.
Sounds familiar? Luckily, you’ve entered the right place. Here are seven toilet issues you mustn’t ignore.
1. Won’t Flush
One of the most common toilet issues is when it won’t flush. This indicates that there’s an obstruction in the drain line or that the toilet is defective.
Or, if your toilet is flushing but slowly, there may be a buildup of mineral deposits under the rim. Thankfully, plumbers have the tools and knowledge to remove the item blocking the line so your toilet flushes normally again.
2. Clogged Toilet
Many homeowners get a clogged toilet at some point. There may either be a partial clog or one further down the line so consider this before hiring a plumber. You’ll notice the toilet is clogged when the water refills the bowl but takes ages to drain.
Try using a toilet plunger with a bell-shaped end as it’s designed to unplug the obstruction. To prevent this from reoccurring, never flush paper towels, sanitary pads, or baby wipes as they’ll clog your toilet. As a rule of thumb, only avoid tissue paper, and even if it’s marked “flushable” then throw it in the trash.
A similar problem is when the water in your toilet bubbles. This is caused by a clogged toilet or a faulty vent as it stops the air from passing through and equalizing the pressure so it flows easily.
Aside from unclogging the toilet, try unblocking the vent with a plumbing snake. If that doesn’t work, then hire a professional plumber as they’ll dig through the wall to reach the affected area.
3. Leaks
A leaking toilet is a common problem and this may happen in the supply pipe, at the bottom of the bowl, and in other places inside the toilet.
If this happens, you’ll notice a constant pool of water around your toilet. You should further check your utility bill because if it’s higher than normal then there’s likely a leak somewhere in your toilet’s water supply.
Notice a leak at the base? Then shut off the water to the toilet so the problem doesn’t worsen. This happens because the wax ring is worn down, the part that connects the bottom of the toilet to the drain hole.
Another common type of leak happens where the tank connects with the toilet bowl. Leaks happen because the tank isn’t properly secured so water can spurt from the gap. To fix this, examine the bolts and if they are loose, simply tighten them. If this doesn’t work, replace the bolts, especially rusted ones, or the gasket to stop the leak.
4. Ghost Flushing
As the name suggests, ghost flushing is when the toilet flushes by itself at random intervals. Otherwise known as a running toilet, this happens when the water leaks from the tank and into the bowl.
To check whether this is the problem, drop food coloring dye into the tank and leave it for 30 minutes. Then examine the water in the bowl for any signs of color and if there is, you’ve identified the source of the problem. If you must fix it, replace the rubber flapper in your tank so it functions well again.
5. Overflowing Toilet
You’ve flushed the toilet and now, to your horror, the water is rising with no signs of slowing down. You must act quickly by reaching into the tank and getting the fill valve, the part that looks like a floating ball.
This will stop the overflowing toilet from wreaking havoc on your bathroom. But note that if you let go and the fill valve drops, then the bowl will start to fill again.
In contrast, you may have a slow-filling toilet which highlights a problem with the tank. Make sure the water supply is open before checking the toilet tank. Examine the fill valve to ensure nothing is blocking it or if it’s dirty as that’s usually the issue.
6. Rocking Toilet
Notice your toilet rocks to and fro?
Although this seems like a superficial problem, any movement of your toilet breaks the wax seal which results in leaks and costly repairs. Prevent this by removing the caulk and sliding plastic schisms in the space so there are no gaps. Then caulk around the toilet and make sure the bolts are securely fastened.
7. Sweaty Toilet
Many homeowners who live in a humid climate may notice that their toilet is sweating excessively.
This happens when there’s no air conditioning as condensation forms on the outside of the tank which drips and leaves a puddle. Make sure you act immediately to prevent slips and floor damage.
If you’re after a new model, find a toilet that has an insulated tank as it prevents this from occurring. Or make sure your aircon is working properly and the cool air is reaching the bathroom to prevent the condensation from building up.
Those Are the Top Toilet Problems
Hopefully, after study this article, you then know the top toilet problems.
You can fix a flushing problem or a clogged toilet by pinpointing the obstruction and check each component works if you’re experiencing leaks. Although these problems seem easy to fix, hire a professional plumber as they have the experience and expertise for the job. Good luck!
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